A FIVE-storey riverside apartment block on stilts is to replace a derelict eyesore near Hereford city centre.

The ambitious project for the site of the former Campions restaurant on the banks of the River Wye was given the go ahead by county councillors last week.

The site has been plagued by drug users and anti-social behaviour since closing in the 1990s, but those behind the plans believe the new building, next to Greyfriars Bridge, will provide “visual presence and stature” to one of the busiest routes into Hereford.

Riverside Construction Hereford’s application was the latest in a long line of bids to re-develop the site.

The initial plans was for a seven-storey development of 21 homes, but this has been reduced to 14 after concerns were raised over its scale and height.

The t-shaped building will be raised on stilts – three of which would be above bridge height.

Roof terraces on levels three and four are also part of the plans, as are 19 car park spaces and a pedestrian bridge for emergency use only.

To combat the risk of flooding, no part of the development will be closer than 10 metres from the river’s edge, while a dry escape route would lead onto nearby Greyfriars Bridge.

A hi-tech early warning system will also be in use to alert car owners should water levels rise.

Councillor Polly Andrews said: “When you come from the north you see a heap of rubble, which is the Sportsman pub, and when you come from the south you see a decaying building. What a welcome to the city of Hereford,”

she said.

“Finally, we have something for Campions that seems to fulfil a lot of the requirements.”

But local ward Councillor Julie Woodward said that she still thinks that the revised plans are not suitable for the site.

“The width is so imposing that it is scary,” she said.