Planning has been approved to build 12 new council apartments on a disused garage site in Graiseley.

Construction partner Keon Homes put forward the proposals on behalf of City of Wolverhampton Council for the affordable one-bedroom homes off Russell Street – and permission was granted at today’s (Tuesday) Planning Committee meeting.

The three-storey development, with ground floor wheelchair accessible apartments, will border Zoar Street and Merridale Street – just a short distance from the city centre.

Demolition of the derelict garages, that have been blighted by anti-social behaviour, has already been approved and is expected to take place later this year.

City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing, Councillor Steve Evans, said: “Clearing and developing small brownfield sites like this is a major part of our housing strategy to deliver good homes for local people in well-connected neighbourhoods.

“It is important we build a range of different sized council homes across the city, catering for local residents’ needs.

“Now the plans have been approved, we can deliver a development that will provide an uplift to the area for residents and businesses alike.”

Jim Woodsford, Pre-Development and Planning Manager at Keon Homes, said: “Brownfield development continues to be a core driver for Keon Homes and making use of otherwise redundant sites to provide much-needed, affordable housing.

“We have worked closely with City of Wolverhampton Council to design a scheme that will make the best possible use of the development land in Graiseley, whilst complementing the surrounding area.

“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.

“The development will further bolster the supply of affordable housing in Wolverhampton, and this can only be good news for everyone concerned.”