A scheme to develop 60 acres of central Birmingham at a cost of �150m has passed a major planning hurdle.

The complex, to be known as Park Central, is expected to form one of the largest city centre development projects in the UK.

Developers believe nearly 1,500 homes and eight acres of parkland can be accommodated inside Birmingham's ring road.

Councillor Andrew Coulson, from Birmingham City Council, said the plan would "transform" the lives of many people living in the area.

Park Central is made up of a partnership between the council, Crest Nicholson PLC and the Optima Housing Association, based in Birmingham.

Planners hope work on the first section will start in the spring with development centred on the Rickman Drive, Bath Row and Wheeleys Lane areas of the city centre.

The project is expected to take about 10 years to complete.

Stephen Boid, from Crest Nicholson, said: "This scheme is unique and should offer affordable city living homes to hundreds of people who, over recent years, have not been able to take advantage of this trend."

Approval of the scheme by the city council's development control committee now means the areas round Broad Street, Brindley Place and The Mailbox will be linked.