Planning permission has been granted for 41 dwellings on the Bennions site in Broad Street.

This is subject to developers, the Harper Group, paying £110,000 to Forest of Dean District Council for measures for the community.

The developers have taken up the option of building five studio apartments and converting two cottages on the site. This is part of earlier planning permission gained by Cannerton Properties, which sold the site on to the Harper Group.

Under new planning permission, given this week, Harper will also build 26 sheltered housing units and convert the Grade II-listed Bennions building into six sheltered flats.

An age limit of 55 and over will be in place for those seeking the sheltered accommodation.

Martin Hillier, principal planning officer, said the signing of the legal agreements could take several months and he did not expect work to start before the New Year.

The agreement includes £53,300 towards affordable housing, £30,000 for highways and £30,000 for a new children's play area at Lakeside.