A MULTI-MILLION pound development in the region has been given the go-ahead.

Planning permission was granted last week for the construction of the final three phases of Akenside's riverside loft development on the north riverbank in Sunderland.

Akenside has been offered full support from Sunderland City Council.

There are 93 apartments in phase two of the development and with five penthouses, each with a roof garden, St Peter's Wharf is set to be the home of Sunderland's first £500,000 apartments.

The £55m housing project at St Peter's Wharf includes 250 luxury loft apartments with leisure and caf/bar facilities.

The success of phase one, which blends the traditional features of the existing Bonners Raff warehouse structure with cutting edge design and contemporary fixtures, has led to the approval of development of phases two, three and four, which will be new build structures.

A company spokesman said the additional phases had been planned to maximise the riverside potential, complement the original site, and aesthetically improve the area.

Akenside director George Garton said: "No two apartments will be the same."