CIVIC chiefs have approved a £10 million student housing complex on the doorstep of Winchester railway station.

Three buildings housing more than 250 students will be built on a derelict depot owned by Hunts Frozen Foods off Andover Road.

But Winchester City Council heard fears that a new footpath next to the tracks could endanger students.

Some neighbours fear an increase in noise and anti-social behaviour, while others say the accommodation's height – four and five storeys – would damage their view of the area.

No objectors spoke at the planning committee yesterday, but business leaders have previously expressed concern that the prime location isbeing used for housing instead of tackling Winchester's shortage of commercial space.

The Hunts scheme will effectively kickstart a wider revamp of the Station Approach area, with office blocks, public facilities and transport infrastructure planned.

Developer Osborne says the project, scaled down from 280 to 257 beds, will house second and third year students, easing pressure on estates like Stanmore.

Winchester University welcomed the scheme but has not committed to taking it on, the meeting heard. The council said "other institutions could be interested".

Ward councillor Liz Hutchison said the plan was flawed, with a "dangerous crossing" onto Romsey Road not being looked into.

She claimed the pedestrian and cycle access needing to be "dramatically improved".

"These routes [leaving the site] have major problems and are not acknowledge in the Transport Study included in the planning application," she added.

David Rothery, the officer presenting the case, said that although the flats being built will not be able to accommodate anybody other than students, this will see other houses being freed up for families to live in and effectively provide more homes for locals.