New homes for land left empty for 25 years

New homes are set to be built on a derelict patch of land next to a retail park after lying empty for more than 25 years.

The land in Rookery Street, Wednesfield, has been earmarked for housing and new shops since the Bentley Bridge Retail Park was built in the late 90s, but despite several plans coming and going the land has not been developed.

A planning application emerged in December proposing eight two-bedroom homes, which has now been signed off by City of Wolverhampton councillors.

A report by the local authority's planners outlining the decision said the "modern, attractive, high-quality homes" would help with the regeneration of Wednesfield.

"This site benefits from a previous but unimplemented planning permission for a residential apartment development," the council said.

"The proposed homes are modern, attractive and of a high-quality design, including satisfactory car and cycle parking facilities, bin stores and private amenity space for residents.

"The site is sustainably located, close-by to services and facilities within Wednesfield village centre, and has good access to public transport."

The site has had a long planning history, despite remaining empty for the last 25 years, with plans submitted and approved for various schemes before being scrapped.

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

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