Plans to bring one the city’s listed buildings back into use have been given the green light by councillors.

Albion House, which is located at the bottom of Southgate Street, was earmarked as a priority by the city council two years ago when it received a £1.2 million grant to preserve and enhance the character of buildings within the Southgate Street Conservation Area.

And finally a proposal to convert the building into apartments has been approved by members of the city council’s planning committee.

The plans will see nine apartments built in the main listed building, a modern four-storey apartment block built in the former ‘kitchen shop’ which will add a further seven apartments to the site.

They also include the conversion of the rear coach house to create another two apartments and the construction of four two-bed houses at the north eastern side of the site.

The site will include a courtyard area with 17 additional parking spaces for residents.

At a meeting on Tuesday night councillors unanimously voted in favour of the plans.

Councillor Gordon Taylor (C, Abbey) praised in particular the design of the site.

He said: “I know there have been some concerns by neighbouring residents about privacy and over-looking but it looks like all of these issues have been addressed in the design.”

Coun Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton) said: “This building has been out of use for a great many years and I think what is being proposed for this development is first class, particularly the use for the old coach house.”

As one of the main entrances into the city, the southern part of Southgate Street remains isolated and in decline.

The poor condition of the area has become more noticeable in contrast to the Docks, which has become a popular destination in the city.

Coun Paul Toleman (C, Westgate) said: “Anywhere in Southgate Street that gets this sort of treatment is welcome.”