A development of nine one-bed flats in Matson has been approved by Gloucester City Council's planning committee.

The proposal for a brownfield site off Matson Lane, on the edge of Matson Park, has been given the go-ahead, subject to meeting highways conditions and the completion of a legal agreement.

The new build flat block will be two storey, following feedback on an earlier application for a three storey block.

The development would lead to several benefits for the area:

• Delivering housing in line with the government's objectives of boosting housing delivery

• Provide a community use

• Increasing activity and natural surveillance in the area

• Improve the environs of the park and provide enhanced linkages

• Contribute to securing the future of a heritage asset (School Lodge)

• Formalise an unconstrained accessible footpath link through the site

The development site is known by the council to experience anti-social behaviour problems and had been marked for disposal. Due to the anti-social behaviour issues, the commitee considered the development to be an improvement to the area.

Also included in the plans are proposals to convert School Lodge on the site to a community facility, including a café.

The School Lodge building is historically associated with Grade II Listed Matson House, built around 1575. The Lodge dates from the early to mid-1800s and was previously an entrance lodge for the main house.

The Lodge had fallen into disrepair and its restoration and the prospect of ongoing sensitive usage and maintenance would improve the contribution it makes to the significance of Matson House.

The new flats would be around 22m away from the Lodge at their closest points.