Plans submitted for 141 flats at historic docks

Plans to build a six-storey block containing 141 flats in a city's historic docks have been submitted.

The Canal and River Trust and development company bloc want to build the one and two-bedroom apartments, which will specifically be for renters, in Gloucester Docks.

The site at West Quay is currently home to a car park and some old industrial buildings, with the plans saying the flats would "make a material addition to meeting the housing needs in the city".

People have until 18 February to comment on the plans, which have been submitted to Gloucester City Council.

The plans have been submitted by developer H2O Urban, which describes itself as "an expert at waterside development".

The proposed L-shaped block would link to the restored Alexandra Warehouse and also include a plaza overlooking the docks.

If approved, the building would be owned by a single entity which would be responsible for letting each apartment out.

It would be a car-free scheme, with restrictions put in place to stop residents applying for parking permits around the city centre.

While the developer said it was "necessary" to use previously-developed land to meet Gloucester's housing need, there is some concern the flats may flood the market.

Louisa Jackson, who is managing director of Quay Residential and Gloucester Student lettings,told the BBC the rental market in the city was "pretty strong" but also felt the large increase in flats could "swamp the market".

"Maybe it's what we need, and we do need more people coming to Gloucester with different ideas of how the city should be, but it is definitely not the demand I'm getting in my office," Jackson added.

She said her company had waiting lists for one and two-bedroom flats, but added that higher-priced properties in the Docks area generally take longer to be let out.

With additional reporting from Carmelo Garcia from the Local Democracy Reporting Service.