Huge £150m canal-side development approved

Plans for the development were submitted in the summer

More than 500 new homes are to be built on derelict land in Wolverhampton after the city council gave the green light to the plans.

The £150m Canalside South development will span 17.5 acres close to the city centre on land that has been unused for 15 years.

The council said the development was bringing life back to redundant sites along the canal network, with this one sitting next to the Wyrley & Essington Canal and the Birmingham Main Line Canal.

James Dickens, managing director of developer Wavensmere Homes, said the firm planned to invest more in the city in the coming years.

The plans include about 530 homes with high energy performance ratings, seven acres of green space, and a range of commercial amenities.

There will be 378 two-and three-bedroom townhouses, 145 one-and two-bedroom apartments, and 10 co-living units.

Disused railway arches would be brought back into use by becoming commercial space to let, the developer said.

Stephen Simkins, council leader, said: “Wavensmere Homes submitted a quality and comprehensive planning application that will deliver for Wolverhampton.

"This project is fundamental to our brownfield first strategy, driving investment into the Green Innovation Corridor, and it will also fulfill a key objective of our Canalside Delivery Partnership with the Canal & River Trust.

“We can now look forward to work starting on site."