PLANS to turn a derelict former Stourbridge restaurant building into 19 flats have been welcomed.

The old Page Arms building in Market Street is to be part demolished as part of plans to turn the eyesore site into a town centre new apartment block.

Under the scheme, which was given planning permission subject to conditions last month, the original traditional frontage of the building and a matching extension will be retained and the modern extensions to the front and rear will be demolished and a four-storey extension facing onto Drury Lane added.

Stourbridge town councillor Nic Barlow said of the scheme: “The design looks excellent with a good blend of traditional and modern which is in keeping with the surrounding area.”

He did, however, express concern about the amount of parking spaces allocated for the development – one per flat to the rear plus two disabled spaces – saying: “Most families now have more than one car – therefore I am concerned there will be a potential overspill onto Market Street.”

Rev Andrew Sillis, priest in charge at St Thomas’s Church in Market Street, also raised concerns about the allocated parking “not allowing for additional vehicles from visitors or tradespersons” but said the church “broadly supports” the scheme to develop the site which he said had been “an eyesore and source of nuisance for some years”.

A report by Dudley Council planners said the development “would cause no significant harm to neighbour amenity or highway safety” and it “allows for the long term retention of a heritage asset as well as delivering additional housing”.

Stourbridge councillor Steve Clark said: "Finally, after many years of lobbying, planning permission has finally been given to turn the derelict eyesore into flats.

"Over the last 15 years it has been empty, attracting drug addicts, vandals and vermin.

“It was one of the areas both businesses and constituents asked me to get involved in, I’m delighted that finally we are going to see some movement.”

Plans are also believed to be afoot to develop the neighbouring similarly derelict former Archway Veterinary Practice buildings in Market Street.