Plans have been approved to give a major makeover to a canal-side area near Stroud railway station.

Stroud District Council has granted permission for 33 flats, four houses, plus parking space for 54 cars, to be built on derelict land off Cheapside, close to the Cotswold Canals Trust visitor centre and a towpath.

The plans will also allow six canal boats to be moored near the development.

According to the Stroud News and Journal, discussions are taking place to rename the area -formerly the site of a storage yard - Stroud Town Wharf.

Visitor centre manager Clive Field told the Stroud News and Journal that the development would have benefits for businesses in the surrounding area.

"For the first time people will be able to moor up for the night and easily visit the town. This development really opens up canal network up to Stroud.

"It will bring huge benefits to the area in tourism. When people on holiday nip to the shop for a pint of milk and a loaf of bread they'll stop and be able to spend some time in our shops and cafes. "

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Picture credit: geograph Copyright Brian Robert Marshall  and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence