Flats conversion scheme given extra time

Pearl House in Wolverhampton is being converted into flats

A city-centre housing project which developers said could have been judged "partially unlawful" has been given more time for completion.

Former office block Pearl House, in Waterloo Road, Wolverhampton, has been under redevelopment as flats for several years, but some ground and first-floor units are unfinished.

The original planning approval, described by the developers as "overly restrictive", required the work to be completed by August.

City of Wolverhampton Council officers approved the extension, describing it as "regularisation of a partly completed scheme".

A planning statement submitted for developers Charles Jordan Ltd said that the remaining flats needed a more extensive programme of work, which had led to the funding issues to complete the work on time.

It added the work so far on the 43-flat scheme had demonstrated "clear intent" towards completing it.

Part of the office building had previously been used to carry out assessments for the Department of Work and Pensions.