Fancy apartments approved for ex-homeless camp in Wolverhampton
An eyesore city centre site formerly used as a camp by the homeless will be transformed into fancy apartments.
The prime spot on the corner of Victoria Street and Cleveland Street has become overgrown since derelict buildings were demolished in 2014.
But now plans for a building containing 18 flats have been approved. Speaking at the planning committee, councillors were unanimous in their support.
Councillor Mike Hardacre, said: "It's been a problem site to the local authority for a considerable length of time.
"Prior to that it was one of the more unattractive bits of the retail offerings in town.
"I think the developers are to be commended for what they are trying to do.
"Anything that brings some sort of quality building back into the centre of town is to be applauded."
Councillor Greg Brackenridge added: "We've had a real problem in that area for many years now, even removing what was there before wasn't proving good enough.
"I think this will give it the improvement needed. It's a great design, it's something I strongly support."
The eyesore, which featured on the BBC's Drugs Map of Britain, will now be transformed thanks to Panther Properties.
The development will see a four-storey building to provide 645sq m of retail space on the ground floor with 18 one and two-bedroom apartments above.
The developers will also offer an off-site public open space contribution of £30,000 for the Canalside Quarter Public Realm Improvements, under the plans.
