Development hope for derelict land after 25 years

The patch of land in Wednesfield has been earmarked for housing and new shops since the nearby Bentley Bridge Retail Park was built in the late 1990s

Derelict land next to a retail park could finally be developed after being earmarked for new homes and shops for the last 25 years.

Despite several plans coming and going for the site on Rookery Street in Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, by Bentley Bridge Retail Park, the land has remained empty.

But a new planning application had emerged which proposed eight two-bedroom homes, the city council said.

Plans to build 20 flats on the site, approved in October last year, have since been deemed "unviable", according to documents.

A statement included with the latest application read: "After inviting tenders and evaluating the market in the locale, the development as previously approved is not viable.

"We have therefore revisited the scheme and after further testing the market, it has become apparent that there is a shortage of smaller dwellings at a more affordable price in the area."

Plans for the land have included approval for 24 homes and flats in 1999, then several shops and 19 flats in 2002 and later 23 flats in 2005.

Another plan for 32 flats was revealed then scrapped in 2007 and that was followed a year later by a plan for 22 flats and a new shop which was also eventually withdrawn.

Plans for 22 flats and a shop were approved in 2010 but never built.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.