New flats blast fear

A £40 million Student Village in Wolverhampton faces being closed down before it even opens its doors - because of potentially explosive gas cylinders stored nearby.

The 25-storey development near the city centre is at risk, along with three other multi-million-pound projects given planning permission by Wolverhampton City Council.

Today it was revealed that court action was being launched against the council by the Health and Safety Executive amid concerns the 750-room Student Village would be at risk should the propane gas cylinders and tanks explode.

The gas is stored at Carvers builders merchants, in Little's Lane, which has had Hazardous Substances Consent for more than 15 years.

When a planning application was submitted for the Culwell Street flats, council officers noted the development fell within the blast zone from Carvers, but still recommended it for approval.

It was supported by a planning committee led by former chairman Councillor Paul Sweet in March last year and sent for delegated approval last August.

Today, just weeks before hundreds of students are due to move in, its future was thrown into doubt as it emerged that legal action was being taken against the council.

HSE spokesman Neil Whelan said a claim for a judicial review had been lodged which could see the permission revoked.

Council officers and lawyers are now looking into the effects a judicial review could have on the high rise block and other developments that fall within the blast zone, including Springfield Brewery, The Peel Retail Centre and Low Level Station.

Wolverhampton Director for Regeneration and Environment Steve Boyes said the council was aware of the HSE concerns, adding: "As far as the council is aware, there is nothing which justifies any cause for alarm for existing residents and businesses and we believe that this point will be confirmed by the HSE."

Exclusive by Victoria Nash