COUNCILLORS last night gave permission for a hard surface, lighting and drainage system to be built on the Arcade site.

The long-vacant site is to be opened up for temporary use, with a public consultation to be held about what events should be held there.

Planning committee members last night agreed that a hard surface will be laid, covering a space of 0.4 hectares, about 60 per cent of the site.

There will be a 2.5m wide terracotta path along the northern boundary of the site, and the rest of it will be coloured in green and buff.

The site will be illuminated by lights on five metre and 10 metre high columns and will be enclosed by planters, boulders and benches.

Council leader Chris Robbins has previously suggested the site could be used as a performance space or for an extension to the Farmer's Market.

The application was passed unanimously.