PLANS for homes at a grot-spot in the centre of Dursley are still going ahead despite delays, it was revealed this week.

The eyesore which borders May Lane and Prospect Place near the library has been vacant for several years.

It is hoped the site could eventually accommodate between 12 to 15 homes, according to a council document from 2019.

However, it has now been revealed the project has been delayed.

An update was recently given at Stroud District Council’s strategy and resources committee held on Thursday, October 10.

“Planning application delayed due to heritage value attached to buildings at front of site,” a report by a council officer reads.

“Options being explored include further consultation with stakeholders and statutory bodies.”

Ownership of the site is also complicated as it is split between several different landowners and negotiations to develop the area have previously always stalled.

SDC owns a vacant single-storey building on the site named the Electric Garage which was formerly two homes.

However, a SDC spokesperson has told the Gazette that the scheme is ‘progressing well’.

They said: “Plans to develop the site that borders May Lane and Prospect Place to provide much needed new homes in Dursley are progressing well.

“The site, which is owned by multiple landowners, has had several failed bids to regenerate it over the years.

“A number of surveys have now been undertaken and an architect will be appointed in the coming weeks.

“The architect will collaborate with key stakeholders to develop proposals for the site, which will then be submitted as a planning application.

“Council officers have kept landowners, district and town councillors informed of the progress.

“A further consultation meeting will be scheduled in due course to discuss the developments.”

A spokesperson from Dursley Town Council said: “We are pleased to hear that progress is being made on the potential development of May Lane/Prospect Place site.

“We look forward to viewing the plans during the consultation period.

“We remain concerned about the poor condition of dilapidated building at 11 May Lane and encourage SDC to progress with the project as soon as possible.”