AN empty derelict pub in Southampton could be demolished to make way for 15 flats.
Plans for the former Bridge Tavern pub in Coxford Road have been submitted to the council to demolish the hostelry and build a four-storey block of flats in its place.
The application from Darcy Construction includes eight two bedroom flats and seven one bedroom flats.
All the flats will have a balcony with a courtyard space as a garden for all residents.
The pub, which has been empty for more than 15 years according to planning documents, has been the target of vandalism and attacks over the years.
A design and access statement submitted as part of the plans says the building and site are “beginning to suffer from regular challenges around anti-social behaviour.”
In 2019, community leaders called for the pub to be turned into a hub to serve local groups.
It came after a fire at the building, believed to be started from a pile of rubbish.
A planning application was submitted in 2010 to redevelop the plot of land into two blocks of flats.
However, these plans were rejected as the plans were “out of character” with the neighbourhood.
The statement for the latest proposal adds: “There are various challenges around providing high quality additional housing accommodation within the city of Southampton, this scheme aims high in terms of quality of living.
“The need to deliver new housing need in this part of Southampton on this site at an affordable level, has been given high priority.”
“Therefore the use of redundant pieces of land currently under the clients ownership, offer up ideal opportunities for such use.
“In light of the ongoing challenges being on the pressure of sourcing affordable land to provide affordable housing need, these sites offer perfect benefit, especially for those dealing with homelessness particularly being felt from a post pandemic wold.
“Our lives have changed in recent times in the way in which we work and live, the existing site, offers up an ideal opportunity to both deliver housing and amenity.”
The development will be ‘car-free’ with no on-site parking spaces, only for bicycles.