University Residences Programme: Avenue Campus (12 December 2024) – Extract from E-News to Members

Extract from E-News to Members (12/12/24)

The University of Southampton has released early plans for a Hall of Residence on the Avenue Campus site which will absorb most of the existing green space surrounding the academic block.

Information is available on the following website:
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/community/building-projects/residences-development.page

The current early plans show that 484 beds are currently proposed

The current early plans show 13/14 interlinked blocks

The current early plans show blocks of between 4 and 5 storeys high

• The buildings would be in close proximity to residential properties in Highfield (e.g. Crofton Close, the Oakmount Triangle and Heatherdean Road)

• The screening trees, which are deciduous, are shown in full leaf in the drawings. This screening would be minimal in the winter months especially if the mature trees are felled and newly planted, much smaller planting replaces the large trees

• Could the current pavement / cycle infrastructure cope with the increased number of people moving about Highfield Road to the University and back?

• The blocks would be visible from wider environs across Highfield, not just adjacent houses

• A valuable green space would turn into a dense urban one

As these are early plans, you have time to submit comments and the University has a special email address for you to do so. Every comment will count:

EstateDevelopment@soton.ac.uk

Comments should be submitted before Christmas, If possible.

The University information states:

‘We are at an initial stage of development and will be holding an in-person event in the New Year, however early comments are easier to respond to within the design.

We will review all comments and will be in touch to invite you to an in-person exhibition in the New Year.’

The HRA Committee has had a preliminary look at the proposals and will make a formal response as there are major issues to be addressed. A copy of the HRA response will be published on the website early next week
https://www.highfieldresidents.org.uk/

The University hopes to submit a full Planning Application towards the end of March 2025 with the build to be in use from 2027/2028