Plans to redevelop a dilapidated site in the centre of Southampton have been given the go ahead by city planners.

The £50m scheme by the Hampshire and Regional Property Group will see 279 homes built on the site of the former Fruit and Vegetable Market.

Shaun Adams, Hampshire and Regional Property Group Chief Executive, said: "This really is great news for Southampton. We've worked hard in partnership with planners, architects, the city council, current occupiers and the community to produce a scheme to regenerate this area of the city.

"It's an important scheme for Southampton both socially and economically. Demand for urban living is increasing in the south and nowhere more so than Southampton. This development will bring much-needed homes and jobs to city - about 300 will be created with the construction alone."

The phased regeneration project will see a mix of affordable and private apartments built over the next three years with the first phase of construction starting in the summer. The development will also provide parking and shops on the ground floor.

Cllr Letts, Leader of Southampton City Council, said: "It's great to see another piece of the city centre Master Plan fall into place with the granting of planning permission on the second phase of the Fruit and Veg Market proposals. Along with Watermark WestQuay and the New Arts Complex this demonstrates that Southampton is now moving forward."

It will be built over three phases by Portsmouth construction firm PMC.