The Forum development in the heart of Gloucester has moved a step nearer after the latest phase was granted full planning permission.

Gloucester City Council's planning committee approved the revised plans for phase two which covers the land previously occupied by the old bus station, Bruton Way car park and the surviving Grosvenor House.

Permission for phase one of the project, which will see 43 apartments and retail space for a relocated Tesco in Market Parade, as granted in January with work due to start in the next few weeks.

The development by the council in partnership with Reef Group forms part of the King's Quarter regeneration which is already underway with work on King's Square.

Phase two includes the demolition of Grosvenor House and the building of two mixed use blocks with a walkway between them providing views to the Cathedral.

The blocks will include 125,000sq ft of office space, a hotel and multi-storey car park, together with further commercial space.

Councillors expressed some concerns over the loss of trees and the height of the buildings in the revised plans, but voted nine-two in favour of the plans with one abstention.

Councillor Andrew Lewis said: "It's going to be very striking and could be absolutely superb.

"It's going to look different but I think it is going to enhance the city."