PLANS to build 63 affordable homes in Quarry Bank have been given the go-ahead.

The 42 houses and 21 apartments - which will all be available for rent - will be built on vacant land on Rose Hill following demolition of an existing derelict large house on the site.

Although Dudley Council's Development Control Committee approved the plans by Accord Housing Association and housebuilding and construction company Galliford Try Partnerships Ltd, members raised concerns about parts of the site being occupied by badgers and the presence of two mine shafts.

But their worries were allayed as work on the affected parts of the site will not go ahead until the Coal Authority is satisfied it is safe following further ground investigations and a licence from Natural England has been acquired to relocate the badger setts.

Committee chairman, Councillor Jackie Cowell, said: "Affordable rented homes are something we desperately need in the borough.

"In many respects the site is not ideal but we are where we are and should be grateful that there is an opportunity for that infill site.

"The issues around the mine shafts will be looked into so I think we should progress it."

Quarry Bank councillor Bryan Cotterill welcomed the scheme and said: "There's a great need for social housing and I'm very pleased about it."

He said the site has been a haven for fly-tipping.