FRESH plans have been filed to create a distribution park on the outskirts of Southampton - but residents have vowed to continue their fight against the controversial development.

As revealed in the Daily Echo, Evander Properties wants to create the new complex on land in Test Lane, Redbridge, saying it could create up to 750 jobs.

But residents say they will continue to battle against the proposed site, saying it will lead to noise, traffic and air pollution issues and voicing fears over its proposed 24-hour operation.

Last year the city council agreed a deal to sell off the 16-acre plot of land next to the Daily Echo's offices, and the firm handed in plans to develop the site last year.

Daily Echo:

In its planning application, the firm said the 21,000 sq m complex would see three new buildings up to 14.5m in height built, alongside a servicing area and car parking.

Two of the units would be used for storage and distribution, with the third for industrial use.

Daily Echo:

More than 90 objections were made by concerned residents, and the developer has returned with a fresh set of plans which feature a number of changes.

They include increasing the size of a "linear park" of public land on the site from three to four acres and moving two unit away from the southern boundary of the site and nearby houses.

They also say extra noise mitigation measures will be introduced, the general industrial use removed and say they want to widen Test Lane with a view to making it easier to negotiate for heavy goods vehicles.

But residents say they still have concerns, with the ward's three councillors also all raising concerns.

A public meeting organised by the Redbridge Residents' Association at The Ship Inn was attended by more than 60 residents and Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead and Redbridge councillor Cathie McEwing.

Daily Echo:

Association chairman Eugene McManus said "not enough" had been changed in the plans, while other residents voice fears over an increase in air pollution if dozens of HGVs use the site.

There were also fears about the impact of more vehicles on local roads, especially Test Lane and Gover Road, with one resident saying: "it beggars belief that it could even be entertained.

"Traffic is already horrendous."

  

Another resident, 78-year-old Michael Pearcey, said: "I'm concerned about everything - the traffic, pollution, light pollution.

"In the plans bits of the site have just been moved around to different positions."

A decision on the plans is due within the next two months.