Velocity Estates has been given the green light to add an extra nine storeys to the top of its Velocity Tower, making it the tallest building in Sheffield.

The tower, which currently comprises 160 apartments over 22 storeys, will be extended to 31 storeys.

Including the wind turbines on the roof the tower will be 344ft tall and will allow another 80 apartment to be developed at the site.

Velocity, the Sheffield based developer, was also granted consent for an 18-storey sister tower which will comprise an aparthotel with conference facilities on the top floor.

Velocity said it expects to start on the construction immediately with the residential tower completed by summer next year and the hotel in the first quarter of 2010.

The first phase of 160 apartments will be ready for occupation in December and the first five floors have been prelet.

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