Plans approved for apartments on disused garages

The garages off Russell Street will likely be demolished later this year, the council said

Plans to build 12 new council apartments on a disused garage site in Wolverhampton have been approved.

The derelict site by Zoar Street and Merridale Street in Graiseley, known for antisocial behaviour, is set to be demolished later this year to make way for a three-storey development.

The council said affordable one-bedroom apartments would be built, with ground-floor wheelchair accessibility.

"The proposed units will provide highly energy-efficient homes in a safe and welcoming environment for residents, injecting new life into the area in the process," said Jim Woodsford from developer Keon Homes.

Deputy council leader and cabinet member for city housing, councillor Steve Evans, said clearing and developing small brownfield sites was a "major part" of the authority's housing strategy.

"It is important we build a range of different-sized council homes across the city, catering for local residents' needs," he added.