The transformation of a derelict former school in Newcastle into a new housing estate has gathered pace after councillors gave the scheme top marks.
Wharrier Street Primary School, in Walker, was torn down in 2013 after it merged with St Anthony's C of E Primary to form the new Central Walker Church of England Primary.
But after years of the site laying fallow, plans for 36 affordable rent houses were approved on Friday.
Newcastle City Council's planning committee, granted planning permission subject to a legal agreement being reached between the council and developer Places for People.
Committee chairman, coun Hazel Stephenson, said: "I'm very, very pleased to see the housing, it's really very welcome."
The proposed estate will be made up of a mixture of two, three and four bedroom properties including family houses and some bungalows.
The application states: "The proposed residential development, located within a sustainable neighbourhood, would make a positive contribution to the community; would enhance the immediate environment; would permit full accessibility; would provide an appropriate addition to the existing housing stock; and through appropriate layout, would offer natural surveillance, enhanced personal safety, security of the property and reduce opportunities for crime.
"The aim of this development is to aid in the regeneration of the neighbourhood, and as well as providing much needed affordable homes, provide a well overlooked extension to the footpath linking Wharrier Street with the proposed new Chalfont Road site, new Central Walker Primary School and Walker Road beyond."
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Places for People has said that it had hoped to have begun construction last month, with the building work completed by March 2020.
The developer added: "The proposed development has maximised opportunities to make best use of this derelict brownfield site.
"The proposed development will promote all the benefits of its sustainable location as an extension to the existing residential community, reinforcing a sense of place."
After the meeting deputy council leader, Joyce McCarty, who has responsibility for housing, said: "We want more affordable homes for rent in the city, so I welcome these homes on the site of a former school. They will help meet local demand and improve quality and choice in the housing market."
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