DERELICT land by the A50, which has been earmarked for flats and shops is still up for sale three years after planning permission was granted.

The triangular plot in Meir was acquired by the Highways Agency four years ago.

But the site, which is near to the town centre and was last used as a free car park, became "surplus to requirements".

The Highways Agency applied for outline planning permission in 2006 so it could sell the plot to developers.

It was given approval for retail space of 390 square metres (4,200 sq ft) and up to eight flats above on the condition the development was built within the next three years.

Members of Stoke-on-Trent City Council's development management committee yesterday granted the Highways Agency a three-year extension, because developers had still not been found.

The approval came despite the ward councillor Michael Coleman, pictured, calling the application in for discussion, because of the length of time the site had been vacant.

He said: "It is an eyesore on a major gateway into the city. We have rats on the site. In my opinion, the owner is holding land until the economy picks up. This could take 10 to 15 years."

The Highways Agency's planning application in 2006 was refused on the grounds it would take business away from the town centre. But it won on appeal.

Planning officers were yesterday told they had little choice but to approve the extension, because the Highways Agency was likely to appeal and win again and it could claim costs from the city council.

They said the Government had stipulated planning application deadlines should be extended because of the economic climate. But they said the Highways Agency would not be able to apply for another extension in three years' time.

Councillor Terry Fellows said the committee was in a difficult situation.

He said: "If we give them permission or not, they still own the land and they can still sit of it. We can't force them to sell it."

Councillor Ian Mitchell said: "That side of Meir died when the A50 was built because people could not get across the road. Any retail on here is a no-go."

The development management committee asked planning officers to discuss alternative uses for the site with the Highways Agency.