Fairbright Homes Ltd submitted plans to build flats at the site on Fulton Street.

The site is outdoor space associated with the former Temple Primary School next door which is now Little Me Nursery. It has been fenced off since 2007.

An indicative layout shows plans for 24 two-bedroom flats in two blocks, each of four floors.

A statement submitted alongside the application read: “The scale and massing of a four-storey development would accord with the existing buildings in the surrounding area which are predominantly four-storey tenements.”

Recommending the application for approval, council planners stated: ” The council’s sports pitch strategy, which is nearing completion, highlights the need to release some inactive blaes pitches, such as the application site, for development to secure compensation for the upgrading of existing pitches elsewhere in order to maintain overall playing capacity in the area.

“As part of this process, in identifying which blaes pitches are best suited for release, the ones least likely to have value as other types of open space will be prioritised.

“In this instance, there has been no community expression of interest in the site as open space, there is no shortfall against Open Space Strategy (OSS) accessibility or quantity standards and consultation responses have advised that biodiversity enhancement could best be delivered and properly managed through new development.”

Detailed proposals and designs will still need to be submitted for approval.