PLANS to create six new flats and a five-bedroom HMO on the site of a derelict Brierley Hill pub have been given the go-ahead.

A proposal to turn the site of the dilapidated Old New Inn in Brierley Hill High Street into six one-bed flats and a five-bedroom house of multiple occupation was approved by Dudley Council's development control committee last night (Wednesday November 17).

The scheme will see the late 19th century pub building, on the junction of High Street and Bell Street South, part demolished and part conserved to create the new homes.

A report to the committee said the development would provide new housing to help meet the borough's demand for new houses and provide a positive contribution to the area.

It added that due to neglect and vandalism the building is "significantly in danger of collapse" but the development scheme aims to conserve as much of the property and its features as possible.

The front part of the building is to become the HMO, while a new three-storey flat-roofed building is to be built at the back to create six one-bedroom flats.

There will also be a small courtyard area outside and internal storage area for bins and cycles.