A DECISION on plans to turn the old Stourbridge Police Station building into apartments looks likely to be made behind closed doors.

An application has been submitted by Lovell Partnerships Ltd to turn the historic former police station in New Road into 29 apartments and two new build homes, fronting Court Street.

The plan has got the thumbs up from West Midlands Police's designing out crime officer Robert Manson, from the force crime reduction unit, providing the vehicle barrier to the courtyard is retained and pedestrian pathways are removed to ensure the site is secure.

But Admiral Taverns, which owns the nearby CocknBull restaurant and bar in the High Street, has raised concerns about the scheme.

A comment submitted to Dudley Council’s planning website by Admiral Taverns states: “We are surprised at the lack of comment on the noise that is generated from our site and others nearby. In the summer months many customers congregate in the outside area immediately to the rear of our building. This area is also successfully used for outdoor dining as well as consumption of alcohol.

“If this were to proceed then noise mitigation should be a priority. We would not want new neighbours to have cause to complain about what is normal business noise for a town pub which is well established - there having been a pub here for many years. The noise generated is not uncommon in town centres for a popular operation, especially when warmer weather comes. This is bound to conflict with residential users particularly in the summer when residents may wish to open windows etc.”

A council spokesman said the plan is not expected to go before Dudley’s development control committee – adding: “It is likely that it will be a delegated decision. A decision has not yet been made.”

According to Lovell Homes's website, which is already marketing the scheme, the development - which will be known as Station House - will comprise a mix of one and two-bedroom properties with 34 parking spaces.

A design and access statement submitted by BM3 Architecture Ltd, on behalf of Lovell Partnerships Limited, said: "The conversion will be undertaken in a sympathetic way in order to retain parts of the building that are considered significant.

"Careful consideration has also been paid to the local context, and consideration has been given to retain as much of the existing police station including original feature as far as possible."

Car parking would be provided within the site's internal courtyard, the statement adds, and installation of sound insulation was recommended following a noise assessment.