Approval has been officially granted for a multi-million pound redevelopment scheme in Gloucestershire, it was announced today.

Gloucester MP Richard Graham MP said he welcomed confirmation from Communities and Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid MP that Quayside and Blackfriars will be granted its Local Development Order, confirming overall planning permission for the whole site's development.

The £135million masterplan includes University of Gloucestershire student accommodation, where contractors are expected on site shortly, residential accommodation and retail in a much more attractive setting.

Mr Graham said: "This is the starting pistol for detailed talks with potential developers and enables the two councils to move forward quickly."

Leader of the Gloucester City Council Paul James said: "I'm grateful to Richard for having got confirmation of this before Parliament dissolves. The transformation of Blackfriars has just jumped one more key hurdle."

Communities and Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid MP added: The development of the Blackfriars area of Gloucester's city centre was Richard's initiative and has been successfully taken forward by the LEP and both councils.

"I'm delighted to confirm I have no objection to the proposed LDO and hope it speeds up the regeneration of this key site."

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Picture: left to right, MPs Sajid Javid and Richard Graham