PLANS to build a block of seven apartments on disused land in Gornal have been given the green light by Dudley Council's planning committee.

The scheme to build the three-storey building on the northwest corner of Kennedy Crescent was opposed by all three of Gornal's ward councillors but was recommended for approval by planning officers ahead of the council's Development Control Committee on September 10.

The committee heard how the plan had received 11 objections from neighbours and Gornal ward councillors David Stanley, Anne Millward and Bryn Challenor.

Objecting the to the plan ahead of the meeting, councillor Millward wrote: "I’m against this development. Originally, the people who moved into Feldspar Close were advised that a small development of bungalows was in the pipeline, they are very upset."

Councillor Challenor added: "I would like to object to a 3 storey building I would much prefer to see a 2 storey building. My reason would be for the loss of privacy (overlooking other properties) loss of view, parking, potential noise and blocking the sun from neighbours gardens."

Councillor Stanley commented: The development would have an adverse effect on the character of the area and also the residential amenity. Access to the application site plus parking is very inadequate in this location. It would result in roadside parking that would be likely to lead to a reduction of the highway capacity in this area. This will result in a cramped form of development."

Loss of privacy, insufficient parking and overcrowding were among the objections submitted by neighbours to the scheme.

Despite the objections the plan was approved by the committee by seven votes to one.

The officer's report for the plan stated: "It is considered that the proposed layout of the site would not adversely impact upon neighbouring residential amenity and an appropriate redevelopment of the site would improve the visual appearance of the site and the locality as a whole."

The report concluded: "The principle of residential use of this site is considered to be acceptable as the proposal represents the use of vacant land for housing, at an appropriate density and within an urban area. The development would make a positive contribution to the character of the area and would not have any detrimental impact on residential amenity or highway safety as a result of the revised development."

The building will include seven two-bedroom apartments, along with with a car park for 11 spaces and 9 cycle spaces.