STARTER units for new businesses could soon be built on a plot of land that has been vacant for half a century.

Dhillon Transport has submitted a planning application to build 12 units on Blanche Street, off Bowling Back Lane in Laisterdyke.

Terraced houses on the site were demolished in the 60s, and the land has been empty ever since. It is currently fenced off.

The group's planning application said the development would be made up of eight metre by eight metre units, and there would be 38 parking spaces created on the site. It says that once all the units are occupied, the development could create 24 jobs.

The application adds: "The proposed use is to provide premises for small businesses to conduct their operations. The type of businesses that would occupy the small starter units would be varied."

Council planners are expected to make a decision on the site late next month.