PLANS to build 129 new homes on the former Ridge Hill Hospital site in Wordsley have been given the green light.

Dudley's planning committee last night (Thursday) gave the go ahead to an outline plan submitted by NHS Property Services to develop the sprawling site which backs onto the now developed former Wordsley Hospital site.

The committee had previously deferred making a decision on the scheme after concerns were raised about how construction work may impact upon youngsters with autism and other learning disabilities who attend Pens Meadow School which is located within the extensive site off Brierley Hill Road.

But councillors said their worries had been addressed after an extended site visit and they gave the plan the thumbs up.

Councillor Asif Ahmed said: "I did have reservations but having gone to the site I'm happy to support this application."

While Councillor Andrea Goddard added: "I think it's a good application."

Councillor David Vickers expressed concerns about access to the site from the main road but he said: "I don't have a problem with any of the building work at all."

As part of the scheme, the derelict old Keeling Centre will be demolished.

Pens Meadow School is earmarked to remain within the site, along with the Ridge Hill Centre LIFT building and associated residential care units - Meadows Rise and Brooks Mead.

Empty Shousters House is also expected to be retained - although no use has yet been specified.

A plan for 144 new homes on the site was previously approved in 2008 but the application was withdrawn in 2011 due to the economic downturn.