PLANS to end uncertainty surrounding the future of a disused hospital in Cookley has been given the green light by planning chiefs.

Wyre Forest District Council's planning committee unanimously gave delegated approval to the outline planning application - subject to a 106 agreement - to transform the site of the former Lea Castle Hospital into residential development, when they met on November 21.

The committee gave approval despite concerns about lack of social housing, primary school places and road access issues.

The Homes and Communities Agency's (HCA) plans include up to 600 homes, offices and potentially a small local shop or cafe. It is also one of the key sites in the district council's controversial Local Plan.

Work to demolish redundant buildings on the site could start as early as January 2018.

Councillor Chris Rogers said: "I welcome development of what can only be described as a derelict, redundant, run-down mess. It's been like that for far too long.

"We need housing desperately. This is the obvious way to go."

The Lea Castle Hospital - a mental health unit - treated and assessed more than 600 people in its heyday in the 1960s and boasted facilities including a hydrotherapy pool an dental clinic, before closing in 2008.

A spokesman for HCA said: "We are delighted that planning approval was secured from Wyre Forest District Council this week for the former Lea Castle Hospital site.

"This approval means the HCA's vision to see this derelict site brought back into use to provide good quality and well-designed new homes can continue to move forward.

"The next stage towards the development of the planned residential led scheme for up to 600 new homes, office space and floorspace for a local shop/cafe/community space is to demolish the redundant buildings on the site.

"Subject to a demolition contractor being appointed, this work is due to commence in January 2018."