PLANS have been approved to create a new Escape Rooms entertainment venue in Stourbridge.

An empty two-storey annexe building at the back of the old Chemistry Café premises in the High Street is to be turned into the new facility now that Dudley Council’s planners have approved the scheme.

Planning documents say the aim will be to create a ‘rustic and industrial’ look to the premises, with individual game areas decorated to fit the theme of the room.

There will be a lobby area on the first floor which will be used to welcome customers before they are briefed on the concept for their game.

Entrance to the premises will be through a secure courtyard accessed down an alleyway to the side from the High Street.

The applicants say the business will not be visible to the public from the street and the venture will not involve any loss or change to original features inside or outside of the building, which sits within the High Street Conservation Area.

A heritage statement on Dudley Council’s planning website stresses: “The existing character and appearance of both the building and street scene will be preserved and potentially enhanced.”

It adds that the lease on the building, which was built in the 1990s as offices for Murrays Chemists, would run for six years.

The applicants, however, would look to extend it if the venture proves a success.

It's the second plan to open such a venture in the town to win approval.

An entirely separate proposal to create an Escape Rooms in Crown Lane was approved last summer.

The coronavirus crisis, however, has delayed work on the scheme which is now expected to open next year.