Plans for canalside housing development submitted

The development covers a 17-acre area along the the Wyrley and Essington Canal and the Wolverhampton branch of the Birmingham Main Line Canal

Plans for more than 500 homes and new amenities in a derelict canalside location in Wolverhampton have been submitted.

The £150m scheme covers a 17-acre site close to the city centre along the Wyrley and Essington Canal and the Wolverhampton branch of the Birmingham Main Line Canal.

Developer Wavensmere Homes said the Canalside South Regeneration Scheme plans emulated the surrounding conservation area and maximised the canalside setting.

The scheme was "set to be the catalyst for a new wave of ambitious city living," managing director James Dickens said.

The plans include more than 530 homes with high energy performance ratings, seven acres of green space, and a range of commercial amenities to be built on the site, which has lain derelict for 15 years.

A new walkway into the city will be opened, reducing the previous walk time by 20 minutes.

The plans include 378 two and three bedroom townhouses, 145 one and two bedroom apartments and a building of 10 co-living units – each containing six bedrooms.

Bringing life back to redundant sites along the canal network was critical to boosting footfall into Wolverhampton city centre, the city council said

The plans were first revealed in May and before a public consultation was held.

The scheme would create 100 jobs and 70% of the supply chain would be local, Mr Dickens said.

“Following extensive consultation with local people, City of Wolverhampton Council, additional partners and stakeholders, we are thrilled to lodge our refined plans for Canalside South, which fully reflect the national significance of this special development opportunity," Mr Dickens said.

"This scheme is set to be the catalyst for a new wave of ambitious city living, which is vital to see the Wolverhampton pound spent locally."

Councillor Chris Burden, cabinet member for city development, skills and jobs, said City of Wolverhampton Council welcomed the application.

"Redevelopment of this prime site would enable our residents to benefit from superb connectivity, amenities, and health and wellbeing opportunities at this wonderful heritage location," he said.