The 68-apartment scheme, which is expected to be considered by the planning committee in March next year, will transform a disused haulage yard on a key 'gateway' site.

As well as featuring combined heat and power systems, the project will also include translucent toilet and bathroom pods which will be manufactured offsite.

According to the architects, the development - dubbed The Furnace - will include 'vertical landscaping' and soft external elements based on ideas brought back from a fact-finding mission to Berlin.

A spokesman said: 'We developed a scheme which incorporates soft landscape elements on every level - not just to cover the building but to provide a sense of garden space even on the third floor.'

The development, which will boast eight penthouse suites, is due to start on site before the end of August next year.