An empty and highly controversial development in Stroud is set to go ahead after plans were approved by Stroud District Council.

Situated just off Cainscross Roundabout, Dudbridge Road and Westward Road, the future of the site has been uncertain and left locals frustrated.

Plans were submitted in 2018 to build three penthouse flats on top of the former DHSS premises, known as Tricorn House, as well as update the exterior appearance of the dilapidated building.

Tricorn House previously gained consent to change the use of the building from office use to residential. The approved scheme will honour this change of use, also converting the existing structure into a further forty modern residential homes.

Made up of three distinct wings, the building dates back to the 1970s.

New offset cladding will do its part at covering up the unsightly pre-cast concrete panels that form the 'tricorn' structure of the building, but still allowing 'a degree of transparency through to the existing fabric'.

The application added: "This largely changes the material appearance of the building from distance but doesn't ignore its history by retaining a visual link to its original make up, particularly when viewed up close."

Bats were a potential stumbling block to the plans when we reported on the application being submitted late last year - and they still might prove an issue.

A condition enclosed with the approval letter suggests that "due to an increase in the height of the building is likely to cause disturbance to the protected species". It asks the applicant to secure a license, or gain permission from Natural England for disturbing the bats prior to any work taking place.

The development also includes 37 car parking spaces, as well as improved pedestrian and vehicle access.