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Woolston Riverside given green light
CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 1,620 homes on the site of the former VT shipyard in Southampton have today been passed by city councillors.
After a six hour, specially-convened meeting, councillors approved the new masterplan for the site and gave the go ahead for the first phase of the works - 160 homes, a supermarket and a 100-bed hotel.
Around a dozen campaigners, including members of the Woolston Community Association, publicly slammed the plans on behalf of the 1,640 objectors - thought to be a record number of complaints for the city.
See a gallery of artist's impressions of what the site will look like
They claimed the development tried to cram in too many homes - most are flats - would create traffic congestion and parking chaos, and the height of the proposed three-waterfront towers, rising up to 25 storeys, would dominate the landscape.
They also complained about a lack of genuine public consultation.
Architects for the developer, Crest Nicholson, hailed it as a "fantastic unique development" that would revitalise Woolston, create jobs and also "create a real identity and lasting legacy for Southampton".
Councillors said they were largely hamstrung by the principles of a previously approved vision for the site, by world-renowned architect Richard Rogers two years ago.
A majority of four to two councillors on the planning committee voted in favour of the latest scheme, citing an increase in family homes and a lower density of housing.
They also gave the go ahead for American boat builder Palmer Johnson to start building 100m long yachts on the site.
According to the city council the total worth of the two developments is £500m.
Councillor Royston Smith, council boss for economic development, said: "Centenary Quay will be quite simply magnificent for Woolston and the city.
The Crest Nicholson application features high quality design, but we must ensure that it is appropriate to the existing surroundings.
"I do not want to see overdevelopment and impacts on parking, transport and vehicular
movements for Woolston.
"For this reason I objected to the residential part
of the Crest Nicholson application".
Cllr Smith added: "We are delighted to welcome Palmer Johnson to the City. This well
established and prestigious company join the growing list of those choosing
Southampton as their base from which to do business.
"The council has always held a shared vision with SEEDA to see Woolston
Riverside regenerated and revitalised.
"With the Marine Employment Quarter
also going ahead the city has just taken a giant leap towards a new era of
economic growth.
"Despite the global credit crunch, Southampton continues to defy the odds
with a string of massive developments planned for the city. IKEA is opening
in the spring, plans are gathering steam for Watermark West Quay and work
only recently began on East Park Terrace - a £110 million development which
will see homes, offices and hotels built."
4:56pm Monday 18th August 2008
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CommentPosted by: Clive, Soton on 5:01pm Mon 18 Aug 08
Totally out of character for Woolston.
Totally out of character for Woolston.
Posted by: Saint, Forest on 5:03pm Mon 18 Aug 08
Can Saints get taken over now please? ;)
Can Saints get taken over now please? ;)
Posted by: Dixon on 5:08pm Mon 18 Aug 08
[italic]160 homes a supermarket and 100-bed hotel.[/italic]
Whats the betting that there will be an excuse not to build 1002 flats
160 homes a supermarket and 100-bed hotel.
Whats the betting that there will be an excuse not to build 1002 flats
Posted by: Bill Ditt on 5:18pm Mon 18 Aug 08
Crest Nicholson 1
Nimbys 0
Crest Nicholson 1
Nimbys 0
Posted by: Woolston Bob on 5:19pm Mon 18 Aug 08
Great news. Well done Council.
Great news. Well done Council.
Posted by: Neale, Woolston on 5:22pm Mon 18 Aug 08
On the whole I'm pleased, Woolston does need to be saved from declining into obscurity, but I am concerned about the amount of traffic. When there is a small delay on one of the main arterial roads into the city, Woolston can become grid locked very quickly when people try to by-pass the trouble.
On the whole I'm pleased, Woolston does need to be saved from declining into obscurity, but I am concerned about the amount of traffic. When there is a small delay on one of the main arterial roads into the city, Woolston can become grid locked very quickly when people try to by-pass the trouble.
Posted by: Alexander Elliott-Woolston, Woolston, Southampton on 5:29pm Mon 18 Aug 08
Good Lord, this is revoultionary. [quote][bold]Marvellous![/bold][/quote]
Good Lord, this is revoultionary.
Marvellous!
Posted by: kathy, woolston on 5:35pm Mon 18 Aug 08
well done the council - ignore people's view. I bet none of them live near by ....
well done the council - ignore people's view. I bet none of them live near by ....
Posted by: goard, Woolston on 5:37pm Mon 18 Aug 08
Great, but wish they could reduce the number of flats - eventually there will be road blocks down by the river and pedestrians won't get a fair deal with river gazing. Perhaps a deal could be done to 'posh up' Woolston's run down areas.
goard
Great, but wish they could reduce the number of flats - eventually there will be road blocks down by the river and pedestrians won't get a fair deal with river gazing. Perhaps a deal could be done to 'posh up' Woolston's run down areas.
goard
Posted by: Bill Ditt on 5:37pm Mon 18 Aug 08
[quote][bold]kathy[/bold] wrote:
well done the council - ignore people's view. I bet none of them live near by ....[/quote] There are more than 1640 residents in Woolston....
kathy wrote:
well done the council - ignore people's view. I bet none of them live near by ....
There are more than 1640 residents in Woolston....
Posted by: ex-res, no longer woolston on 5:39pm Mon 18 Aug 08
wasn't it only a few weeks back that developers pulled the plug in Southampton's Ocean Village? and in Lymington. And, wasn't it Hythe?
is this not overkill in the extreme!?
wasn't it only a few weeks back that developers pulled the plug in Southampton's Ocean Village? and in Lymington. And, wasn't it Hythe?
is this not overkill in the extreme!?
Posted by: Lee Snyard, Boolston on 5:42pm Mon 18 Aug 08
What a waste we need n ice rink first, also how much will these houses be on sell yo? Me reckon not much coz of the smell there. Which way is shoalin from there as i live near by the phlats. The houses will make make money to the area which is good as we need the round of world race there with the marina. ur next
What a waste we need n ice rink first, also how much will these houses be on sell yo? Me reckon not much coz of the smell there. Which way is shoalin from there as i live near by the phlats. The houses will make make money to the area which is good as we need the round of world race there with the marina. ur next
Posted by: southy, redbridge on 5:44pm Mon 18 Aug 08
[quote][bold]goard[/bold] wrote:
Great, but wish they could reduce the number of flats - eventually there will be road blocks down by the river and pedestrians won't get a fair deal with river gazing. Perhaps a deal could be done to 'posh up' Woolston's run down areas.
goard [/quote] you mean like they did in the part of the docks that was sold off.people are no longer able to walk along the dock wall.where gate number use to be.
only one couse of action to take woolston that is to blockade the area.they soon listen to you then.
goard wrote:
Great, but wish they could reduce the number of flats - eventually there will be road blocks down by the river and pedestrians won't get a fair deal with river gazing. Perhaps a deal could be done to 'posh up' Woolston's run down areas.
goard
you mean like they did in the part of the docks that was sold off.people are no longer able to walk along the dock wall.where gate number use to be.
only one couse of action to take woolston that is to blockade the area.they soon listen to you then.
Posted by: southy, redbridge on 5:45pm Mon 18 Aug 08
gate number one
Posted by: knocker johnson, southampton on 5:49pm Mon 18 Aug 08
such a waste of a good site for a nuclear power station,oh well,got to find room for the foregn arrivals to come.[bold]bold[/bold]
such a waste of a good site for a nuclear power station,oh well,got to find room for the foregn arrivals to come.
Posted by: St. Ray, St. Elsewhere on 5:51pm Mon 18 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Clive[/bold] wrote:
Totally out of character for Woolston. [/quote] Out of character? Do you mean it will not be a run down sh1t hole? Almost anything must be better than the present situation
Clive wrote:
Totally out of character for Woolston.
Out of character? Do you mean it will not be a run down sh1t hole? Almost anything must be better than the present situation
Posted by: Steve, Woolston on 6:17pm Mon 18 Aug 08
There are a number of good points about the development. Hopefully the development will be built to a high standard, and appeal to professionals with a few quid. The shops in Victoria Road are becoming very run down, hopefully this will revitalise the area. The yacht building company is excellent news for the long term prospects of the area.
Unfortunately there are also a number of bad points - not enough car parking spaces per dwelling, a road infrastructure that is almost at breaking point now at peak times, and the idiotic council closing down the local secondary school (how visionary was that, not).
These points need addressing for me to be happy about this decision. The council needs to keep the developers on a tight rein.
There are a number of good points about the development. Hopefully the development will be built to a high standard, and appeal to professionals with a few quid. The shops in Victoria Road are becoming very run down, hopefully this will revitalise the area. The yacht building company is excellent news for the long term prospects of the area.
Unfortunately there are also a number of bad points - not enough car parking spaces per dwelling, a road infrastructure that is almost at breaking point now at peak times, and the idiotic council closing down the local secondary school (how visionary was that, not).
These points need addressing for me to be happy about this decision. The council needs to keep the developers on a tight rein.
Posted by: Agbon, Lahore on 6:18pm Mon 18 Aug 08
This is terrific news with the immense/colossal increase of traffic over tut bridge it will soon be paid off. In fairness Woolston is scat and all chav living there should be happy that something half decent will be in the vicinity to trash.
This is terrific news with the immense/colossal increase of traffic over tut bridge it will soon be paid off. In fairness Woolston is scat and all chav living there should be happy that something half decent will be in the vicinity to trash.
Posted by: john cook, woolston on 6:20pm Mon 18 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Clive[/bold] wrote:
Totally out of character for Woolston. [/quote] well done to the council, now we get rid of the woolston ghetto. no doubt most people who live in southampton will be for this development. why should we listen to a minority of whingeing nimbys.
Clive wrote:
Totally out of character for Woolston.
well done to the council, now we get rid of the woolston ghetto. no doubt most people who live in southampton will be for this development. why should we listen to a minority of whingeing nimbys.
Posted by: Steve, Woolston on 6:22pm Mon 18 Aug 08
There are a number of good points about the development. Hopefully the development will be built to a high standard, and appeal to professionals with a few quid. The shops in Victoria Road are becoming very run down, hopefully this will revitalise the area. The yacht building company is excellent news for the long term prospects of the area.
Unfortunately there are also a number of bad points - not enough car parking spaces per dwelling, a road infrastructure that is almost at breaking point now at peak times, and the idiotic council closing down the local secondary school (how visionary was that, not).
These points need addressing for me to be happy about this decision. The council needs to keep the developers on a tight rein.
There are a number of good points about the development. Hopefully the development will be built to a high standard, and appeal to professionals with a few quid. The shops in Victoria Road are becoming very run down, hopefully this will revitalise the area. The yacht building company is excellent news for the long term prospects of the area.
Unfortunately there are also a number of bad points - not enough car parking spaces per dwelling, a road infrastructure that is almost at breaking point now at peak times, and the idiotic council closing down the local secondary school (how visionary was that, not).
These points need addressing for me to be happy about this decision. The council needs to keep the developers on a tight rein.
Posted by: john cook, woolston on 6:27pm Mon 18 Aug 08
well done to the council, now we get rid of the woolston ghetto. no doubt most people who live in southampton will be for this development. why should we listen to a minority of whingeing nimbys
well done to the council, now we get rid of the woolston ghetto. no doubt most people who live in southampton will be for this development. why should we listen to a minority of whingeing nimbys
Posted by: Anon on 6:48pm Mon 18 Aug 08
Woo hoo, Saints takeover on its way!
Woo hoo, Saints takeover on its way!
Posted by: nimby hater, woolston on 6:50pm Mon 18 Aug 08
great news for the city region. Now lets hope the nimby mob go back to wetherspoons and leave the city to claw its way back into the 21st century....oh, who is that blXXdy south african woman speaking on behalf of the WCA...she looks like swampy!
great news for the city region. Now lets hope the nimby mob go back to wetherspoons and leave the city to claw its way back into the 21st century....oh, who is that blXXdy south african woman speaking on behalf of the WCA...she looks like swampy!
Posted by: Dave, Bitterne on 7:00pm Mon 18 Aug 08
For once, well done to the council for standing up and to these whingers. You only have to drive through woolston to see why this decision had to be made. It's about time this area was dragged out of the victorian age. For those of you that are concerned with the conjestion, well i reckon thats a small price to pay for bringing life back into woolson. It may even give local traders a future. Be positive!
For once, well done to the council for standing up and to these whingers. You only have to drive through woolston to see why this decision had to be made. It's about time this area was dragged out of the victorian age. For those of you that are concerned with the conjestion, well i reckon thats a small price to pay for bringing life back into woolson. It may even give local traders a future. Be positive!
Posted by: Wewullywinky on 7:05pm Mon 18 Aug 08
Another pathetic decision from SCC. When will they wake up. Better use of the land could have been thought of. What a waste of peoples votes once again. Another group of councillors who can't see further than their wallets
Another pathetic decision from SCC. When will they wake up. Better use of the land could have been thought of. What a waste of peoples votes once again. Another group of councillors who can't see further than their wallets
Posted by: about time, soton on 7:09pm Mon 18 Aug 08
[quote]approved the new masterplan for the site and gave the go ahead for the first phase of the works - 160 homes, a supermarket and a 100-bed hotel.[/quote]
all of you are dumbusses,no flats have been approved you fools
all you posters should look at yourselfs and get off your high horses,i dont think between you that you have an a speck of common sense TUT now get on with your own sad little lives
approved the new masterplan for the site and gave the go ahead for the first phase of the works - 160 homes, a supermarket and a 100-bed hotel.
all of you are dumbusses,no flats have been approved you fools
all you posters should look at yourselfs and get off your high horses,i dont think between you that you have an a speck of common sense TUT now get on with your own sad little lives
Posted by: Condor Man, Southampton on 7:11pm Mon 18 Aug 08
The suburbs are in desperate need of development but I'm not convinced that this is the answer. I think Woolston needs to move in to the 21st century so let's wait and see what the future brings.
The suburbs are in desperate need of development but I'm not convinced that this is the answer. I think Woolston needs to move in to the 21st century so let's wait and see what the future brings.
Posted by: from afar, itchen bridge on 7:12pm Mon 18 Aug 08
Plamer johnson now need to to employ local labour ,otherwise a watste of an oppotunity!!!They alaso need to plan long term to show that they are not there just to get the planning consent for the housing development,which is a very strong rumour!!!!
Plamer johnson now need to to employ local labour ,otherwise a watste of an oppotunity!!!They alaso need to plan long term to show that they are not there just to get the planning consent for the housing development,which is a very strong rumour!!!!
Posted by: Council WORKER, Southampton on 7:19pm Mon 18 Aug 08
FANTASTIC NEWS! Whilst I hope that the modernization doesn't go ahead ( I think it's a wrong move for the community), I am hoping that the people of Woolston will not vote Tory again.
FANTASTIC NEWS! Whilst I hope that the modernization doesn't go ahead ( I think it's a wrong move for the community), I am hoping that the people of Woolston will not vote Tory again.
Posted by: hurrah, bitterne on 7:21pm Mon 18 Aug 08
Happy, happy days. I would rather cut off my right arm than vote Tory but those on the panel today showed really b***s by putting the needs of the city before a whinging/ aggressive minority. Does anyone really believe Palmer Johnson would contemplate employing 800 staff including highly skilled people on a site where all there was was their buildings?? I think the complainers should feel ashamed of themselves for trying to block this as they clearly have no desire to see local people get jobs or be housed. I heard the whingers ask several times today 'bet they don't live there' about councillors or council staff or the developer...no, they probably don't at the moment but maybe they will when there are some decent homes, shops, cafes etc and something other than yet another skanky co-op there. i for one can't wait to sit and have a drink on the waterfront with the possibility of watching an amazing new boat being built/ launched. This is a good day for the city.
Happy, happy days. I would rather cut off my right arm than vote Tory but those on the panel today showed really b***s by putting the needs of the city before a whinging/ aggressive minority. Does anyone really believe Palmer Johnson would contemplate employing 800 staff including highly skilled people on a site where all there was was their buildings?? I think the complainers should feel ashamed of themselves for trying to block this as they clearly have no desire to see local people get jobs or be housed. I heard the whingers ask several times today 'bet they don't live there' about councillors or council staff or the developer...no, they probably don't at the moment but maybe they will when there are some decent homes, shops, cafes etc and something other than yet another skanky co-op there. i for one can't wait to sit and have a drink on the waterfront with the possibility of watching an amazing new boat being built/ launched. This is a good day for the city.
Posted by: Bob444, Southampton on 7:28pm Mon 18 Aug 08
Is there a date for the completion of this development? If so, please can it be publicized.
Or will it just be in limbo for years to come.
Is there a date for the completion of this development? If so, please can it be publicized.
Or will it just be in limbo for years to come.
Posted by: Robert, Highfield on 7:37pm Mon 18 Aug 08
Personally I have my doubts that this development will actually take place.
I think it will be hard for the developers to make any money in the current climate. House prices, and particularly city centre flats are falling in value. Predictions of 50% falls in flats are realistic.
After all, they didn't finish Ocean Village.
Personally I have my doubts that this development will actually take place.
I think it will be hard for the developers to make any money in the current climate. House prices, and particularly city centre flats are falling in value. Predictions of 50% falls in flats are realistic.
After all, they didn't finish Ocean Village.
Posted by: about time, soton on 8:14pm Mon 18 Aug 08
[quote][bold]hurrah[/bold] wrote:
Happy, happy days. I would rather cut off my right arm than vote Tory but those on the panel today showed really b***s by putting the needs of the city before a whinging/ aggressive minority. Does anyone really believe Palmer Johnson would contemplate employing 800 staff including highly skilled people on a site where all there was was their buildings?? I think the complainers should feel ashamed of themselves for trying to block this as they clearly have no desire to see local people get jobs or be housed. I heard the whingers ask several times today 'bet they don't live there' about councillors or council staff or the developer...no, they probably don't at the moment but maybe they will when there are some decent homes, shops, cafes etc and something other than yet another skanky co-op there. i for one can't wait to sit and have a drink on the waterfront with the possibility of watching an amazing new boat being built/ launched. This is a good day for the city. [/quote] someone doesnt keep up!!!!!!!!!
[bold]read very carefully no one dissapproves of palmer johnson coming to woolston they dissapprove of the amount of dwellings[/bold]
TUT another [bold]dumbuss[/bold]
hurrah wrote:
Happy, happy days. I would rather cut off my right arm than vote Tory but those on the panel today showed really b***s by putting the needs of the city before a whinging/ aggressive minority. Does anyone really believe Palmer Johnson would contemplate employing 800 staff including highly skilled people on a site where all there was was their buildings?? I think the complainers should feel ashamed of themselves for trying to block this as they clearly have no desire to see local people get jobs or be housed. I heard the whingers ask several times today 'bet they don't live there' about councillors or council staff or the developer...no, they probably don't at the moment but maybe they will when there are some decent homes, shops, cafes etc and something other than yet another skanky co-op there. i for one can't wait to sit and have a drink on the waterfront with the possibility of watching an amazing new boat being built/ launched. This is a good day for the city.
someone doesnt keep up!!!!!!!!!
read very carefully no one dissapproves of palmer johnson coming to woolston they dissapprove of the amount of dwellings
TUT another
dumbuss Posted by: Reader on 8:41pm Mon 18 Aug 08
AFAIA - Woolston is all Labour so the comment about voting Tory is pointless. Half of Labour on the panel voted for this remember.
Also the Panel could only decide on differences between this and a previously successful application, the towers/flats etc were already successful and it was just numbers/positioning that they were debating.
The extraordinary turn-out of opposition for this was largely wasted as they mainly objected to things that were already decided from before or that could not be changed locally. If Woolston really cared to stop this then they should have shown support at the original hearing two years ago (which received only a handful of objection) rather than crying about it now. I was at the meeting today and most of the objectors were quite elderly and will probably be dead when this is completed (approx 2018) so they're opinions count for naught.
AFAIA - Woolston is all Labour so the comment about voting Tory is pointless. Half of Labour on the panel voted for this remember.
Also the Panel could only decide on differences between this and a previously successful application, the towers/flats etc were already successful and it was just numbers/positioning that they were debating.
The extraordinary turn-out of opposition for this was largely wasted as they mainly objected to things that were already decided from before or that could not be changed locally. If Woolston really cared to stop this then they should have shown support at the original hearing two years ago (which received only a handful of objection) rather than crying about it now. I was at the meeting today and most of the objectors were quite elderly and will probably be dead when this is completed (approx 2018) so they're opinions count for naught.
Posted by: about time, soton on 9:39pm Mon 18 Aug 08
[bold]READER WROTE[/bold]
[quote]the objectors were quite elderly and will probably be dead when this is completed (approx 2018) so they're opinions count for naught.[/quote]
love it now we have an ageist a**hole on the board
READER WROTE
the objectors were quite elderly and will probably be dead when this is completed (approx 2018) so they're opinions count for naught.
love it now we have an ageist a**hole on the board
Posted by: Hindsight, shirley on 9:47pm Mon 18 Aug 08
I bought a house built by Crest and my neighbours and I discovered to our cost how poorly they were built and what cheap fittings / materials were used. It's just as easy to build a wall square as out of line but they don't realise this. Whoever buys these properties should oversee their property every day from the moment they start building and insist it's done properly.
I bought a house built by Crest and my neighbours and I discovered to our cost how poorly they were built and what cheap fittings / materials were used. It's just as easy to build a wall square as out of line but they don't realise this. Whoever buys these properties should oversee their property every day from the moment they start building and insist it's done properly.
Posted by: Local on 8:11am Tue 19 Aug 08
Now the WCA's protests have been for nothing, I presume they will continue their efforts to improve the community facilities in Woolston and we'll see some deliverables from them in the near future?
Now the WCA's protests have been for nothing, I presume they will continue their efforts to improve the community facilities in Woolston and we'll see some deliverables from them in the near future?
Posted by: Sue, Southampton on 8:14am Tue 19 Aug 08
I wonder what the air quality will be like with all this development. There are already concerns about the quality of air near ports as it is very high in sulphur due to cheap fule used by tankers.
I wonder what the air quality will be like with all this development. There are already concerns about the quality of air near ports as it is very high in sulphur due to cheap fule used by tankers.
Posted by: Matthew, Woolston on 8:28am Tue 19 Aug 08
This development isn't all good but isn't all bad either. It's been given the approval and now we (Woolston Residents) have to make the best of what we have. The objections are in the past and we now need to move on.
The focus should now be on ensuring that this development is executed in the best manner possible. This includes ensuring that transort linkages are increased/sufficient
, linkages with the existing Victoria Road are good and the PJ site offers employment and training opportunities for the local workforce.
Let's make the best of this opportunity for the benefit of the City as a whole, not just Woolston
This development isn't all good but isn't all bad either. It's been given the approval and now we (Woolston Residents) have to make the best of what we have. The objections are in the past and we now need to move on.
The focus should now be on ensuring that this development is executed in the best manner possible. This includes ensuring that transort linkages are increased/sufficient
, linkages with the existing Victoria Road are good and the PJ site offers employment and training opportunities for the local workforce.
Let's make the best of this opportunity for the benefit of the City as a whole, not just Woolston
Posted by: Tanker Tom on 8:36am Tue 19 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Sue[/bold] wrote:
I wonder what the air quality will be like with all this development. There are already concerns about the quality of air near ports as it is very high in sulphur due to cheap fule used by tankers.[/quote] I think the owners of the tankers would laugh at their fuel being described as "cheap"!
By international law, the maximum levels of sulphur in bunker oil is coming down all the time and will be capped at 0.5% in a few years time anyway.
Sue wrote:
I wonder what the air quality will be like with all this development. There are already concerns about the quality of air near ports as it is very high in sulphur due to cheap fule used by tankers.
I think the owners of the tankers would laugh at their fuel being described as "cheap"!
By international law, the maximum levels of sulphur in bunker oil is coming down all the time and will be capped at 0.5% in a few years time anyway.
Posted by: southy, redbridge on 11:16am Tue 19 Aug 08
well all woolston can do now is to blockade the entrance, you son see how much support they have then.
well all woolston can do now is to blockade the entrance, you son see how much support they have then.
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