CONTROVERSIAL plans for a second student housing block on one Southampton junction are set to be approved tomorrow.

Residents opposing the 199 flats say Swaythling is being “swamped” by students.

A 525-bed complex has already been approved for the former B&Q store on the other side of Portswood Road.

It has led to fears of a wind tunnel effect, but architect Church Lukas said the scheme would send a “vibrant message of regeneration”.

The site on the junction of Mayfield Road is currently used as a showroom for bathrooms, showers and swimming pools.

Developer Urban Study has proposed two five and six-storey buildings which could be linked by a glass walkway. The B&Q scheme also rises to six storeys.

Objecting online, Roger Turley, of Portswood Road, said having tall buildings on each side would create a “claustrophobic, narrow canyon-like effect”.

He added: “Within a-half mile radius of this proposal there are already four student accommodation sites. This includes the massive 525-bed development on the former B&Q site.

“This inappropriate, intrusive development would further add to the swamping of Swaythling by students – significantly diluting its character – and further increase the unwelcome growth in noise and movement.”

The B&Q project was approved by a government planning inspector on appeal after Southampton City Council rejected the plan.

Church Lukas designed both schemes, but director John Freeman said the Portswood Road rooms were more suited to postgraduates and young professionals.

He said: “We’ve viewed this as a co-ordinated piece of townscape design. It’s not one side competing against another.

“The big difference between the B&Q site and this site is this site is already allocated for residential.”

Mr Freeman said that unlike other student developments, the blocks were designed for future conversion into ordinary flats.

The halls will include a cinema, gym and laundry.

Council studies identified the danger of “recreational disturbance” to the Solent conservation area, but officers say they can be overcome.

Proposed measures include a ban from keeping dogs, 100 cycle parking spaces and an eviction threat for students who bring their own cars.

It is the latest of a raft of student developments across Southampton.

Recently approved schemes include a block at Cumberland Place rising to 12 storeys, while construction has started on a £28million complex in St Mary’s Road.

Officers have recommended the Portswood Road scheme be approved by Southampton City Council’s planning and rights of way panel tomorrow.