Plans are underway to construct a new car park near Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton.
The proposed site, adjacent to the Wickes store off Stafford Road and approximately half a mile from Wolverhampton Wanderers' home ground Molineux, is set to be transformed into a 205-bay car park.
Tomato Energy, the company behind the plans, intends to include 82 electric vehicle charging points.
The currently unmarked land has been informally used as a car park by worshippers at the nearby Jamia Masjid Aqsa mosque and by Wolverhampton Wanderers supporters on match days.
In an effort to power the car park and contribute to the local area's energy supply, up to 1,400 solar panels would be installed on carports. To enhance biodiversity, the plan also includes the planting of 1,200 plants.
City of Wolverhampton Council had previously approved plans in 2019 to use the land as a car park, which led to the site being completely cleared and several trees being cut down. Following a redesign, another planning application for a car park was supported again in 2021.
A statement included with the application read: "The site is presently an unfinished car park, surfaced with gravel, which has served as a parking area for many years.
"The proposed development aims to transform this space into a completed and sustainable car park, designed to meet modern parking and green energy standards.
"The development includes finalising the top layer of the car park, creating a durable and organised parking surface with clear markings for each of the 205 parking bays, including four dedicated disabled parking bays and 82 EV charging bays.
"Additionally, the project incorporates a photovoltaic (PV) solar canopy system over the bays to produce clean solar energy.
"This energy will be managed on-site, either stored in batteries or used to supply local needs, supporting a sustainable energy cycle.
"A portion of the energy generated will be allocated to a community battery, creating a resource for local residents and contributing to Wolverhampton's green energy infrastructure."
