The first phase of a long-awaited regeneration project in Birmingham has been given the green light by city planners.
More than 200 houses and apartments are set to be built on land at the Birmingham Canal Old Line next to Edgbaston Reservoir as part of the Icknield Port Loop project, now rebranded as 'Port Loop'.
A total 117 houses, ranging from three to five bedrooms, and 90 one- and two-bedroom apartments will be built on 43 aces of derelict land.
There will also be a new public park, neighbourhood green and canalside spaces.
The project, which has been proposed for years, is being delivered by a joint venture team of Urban Splash and Places for People, working with landowners Birmingham City Council and charity Canal & River Trust.
The approved masterplan for the entire Port Loop site includes up to 1,150 new homes, commercial, retail and leisure facilities.
Adam Willetts, senior development manager of Urban Splash, said: "We really are thrilled to have secured planning permission and cannot wait to get started on site.
"Once transformed, this area will bring so much to Birmingham - green spaces, parks, waterfront spaces, an incredible urban island community in which people can live, work and play."
James Lazarus, head of property development at Canal & River Trust, added: "We are passionate about vibrant waterways that help to transform places and improve people's lives.
"To see plans approved on such an important site as this is wonderful and will allow us to open up access to a previously unseen part of our network.
"It is great news for all involved, for the city and for the people who will ultimately live at this scheme."
Dav Bansal, director at Birmingham practice Glenn Howells Architects which designed the scheme, said: "Port Loop will truly be a new sustainable neighbourhood for Birmingham which benefits from the canalside network within easy reach of the Edgbaston Reservoir and the city centre."
