"UNSIGHTLY" buildings are to be demolished to make way for 52 much-needed flats in Stourport.

Wyre Forest District Council's planning (development control) committee has given the thumbs-up to a bid by Neil Grinnall Homes to construct three and four-storey buildings at land on the corner of Minster Road and Worcester Street.

Head of development control Mike Parker said the development, which will see 32 one-bed and 20 two-bed flats being built, would "go a long way towards meeting the very high demand for flats in Stourport".

However, only four flats - less than the recommended 30 per cent - will be made available as private rented accommodation despite a growing shortage of affordable housing in the district.

The council came up with the 30 per cent figure after a report said nearly half of all district people looking to set up a household are single, with demand for rented accommodation outstripping availability by more than a third.

The flats will replace two brick and clad industrial-type buildings which are used for storage and retail of bulky goods.

Mr Parker said: "This proposal is a very welcome one which will provide a significant focal point at a major juncture on the road system out of Stourport and will remove buildings from, and tidy up, a rather unsightly site.

"Despite the shortfall in designated privately rented units the scheme should still be supported."

He added a recent housing needs survey showed 46 one-bed flats and 69 two-bed flats were required in Stourport - borne out by waiting list figures from April which show a demand for one-bed flats at 111 and two-bed flats at 97.

The site, Mr Parker felt, was well placed to maximise the use of public transport by occupants, who would also be more likely to walk into the town and therefore reduce car travel. There are 59 parking spaces proposed for the site.

Councillor Jim Cooper hailed the development as "long overdue".