People in a Nottinghamshire town have welcomed plans to create new flats on a piece of land described as a 'derelict eyesore'
A total of 24 apartments will be created at the site off Park Street and Outram Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, which will consist of seven one-bedroom homes and 14 two-bedrooms.
The development, put forward by Minster Home Developments Ltd, will also include 24 parking spaces and it has now been approved by Ashfield District Council.
The news has been welcomed by residents and a local councillor, with the development described as "something different".
James Lee, 31, who lives off Outram Street, told Nottinghamshire Live: "It's something different I suppose.
"There are a few blocks of flats in the area already, but it's probably good to have more people living in the town centre, and close to the shops.
"It can only be a good thing for the town centre and it will make Outram Street look less run down."
Julian Small, 43, a shopper in the town centre, said developing the land will give Outram Street "more life".
He added: "I've been wondering if anything was ever going to happen with that part of the street.
"Apartments are better than building new shops, there's not a lot to come in for anymore and it's an unused piece of land, it's better than building houses on fields.
"Let's be honest Outram Street has been dying for a few years now, so big things like this would give it a bit more life."
Councillor Samantha Deakin, who represents the area on Ashfield District Council, also welcomed the news.
She said: “I am pleased that this land, left derelict for years, will finally developed.
"We worked with the developers to reduce the planned number of apartments, dramatically increasing the amount of parking spaces and other environmental and security improvements.
"This derelict eyesore use to be an embarrassment to Sutton-in-Ashfield. It really let our town centre down.
"I promised residents that I would fight to get this land developed. I was pleased to move the approval of this application at last week’s planning committee."
Developers behind the scheme say it will "regenerate" the Outram Street area of Sutton-in-Ashfield.
Statements submitted by Jackson Design Associates, on behalf of the developer, say: "The proposed development provides sought after residential accommodation to the area and will create an attractive living environment.
"There is a clear need, as demonstrated by the existing physical condition of the area, to regenerate this important area of Sutton-in-Ashfield.
"The proposed building creates an attractive frontage to Outram Street and Park Street."
It is unclear when construction on the new apartments will begin.
