D-DAY is approaching for developers who want to build a major housing scheme in the heart of Jericho - after more city councillors backed their revised plans.

Councillors from the central, south and west area committee joined their colleagues on the north area committee this week in welcoming the development, which will include 40 per cent social housing.

Berkeley Homes and W Lucy and Co have applied for planning permission to build homes at the site of Lucy's former Eagle Iron Works, in Walton Well Road.

At first, residents were concerned about the size of the development, but developers scaled down their plans and now want to build 186 flats on the ironworks site with another 63 homes on the west side of the canal.

The area committees' recommendations will now be considered by the council's strategic development control committee on Wednesday August 25.

Speaking at the central, south and west area committee meeting on Tuesday (August 10), Labour city councillor Bob Price said: "This is a very good example of the way local planning processes can and do work effectively.

"Forty per cent of affordable housing is an extremely important gain."

"My only concern is the design is disappointing. In architectural terms it won't be a great contribution to our townscape."

A spokesman for Lucy's said: "This is the largest amount of affordable housing to be offered anywhere in the city. We have made an effort to address all members' concerns."

Developers have promised to investigate renewable energy devices such as solar panels for some homes.