PHASE two of a desperately sought facelift for a rundown area of Kidderminster has been given the final go-ahead.

The second half of a crucial redevelopment of the Horsefair was welcomed by planners who approved the bid for 27 flats, all of which will be affordable housing.

A total of 57 new homes have now been shown the green light and the latest plan - put forward by Wyre Forest Community Housing - will also see the refurbishment of the historic Grade II listed Weavers Cottages.

One of three main housing blocks will be built on the side of the cottages - on the site of a former fish and chip shop - which councillors approved for demolition at Tuesday's meeting of the planning (development control) committee at Wyre Forest District Council.

Councillor Chris Nicholls told the meeting it was "vital this scheme goes ahead".

He said: "It is vital for a variety of reasons, one being the regeneration of the area and also for much-needed accommodation.

"This is about bringing the Horsefair up to 21st century standard. The sooner this goes ahead the better."

Residents at the new homes will be given 19 parking spaces while a car park will be built north of the site comprising 37 spaces.

But concerns were raised in a consultation on the new homes which will be bounded by Stourbridge Road, Jerusalem Walk, Broad Street and Horsefair.

Objections included the loss of parking and the demolition of a toilet block within the island at the junction of Horsefair and Stourbridge Road, potential anti-social behaviour and loss of trees.

But the island would be landscaped with an art feature which, according to case officer Clare Eynon, would give residents the chance to "provide natural surveillance and a deterrent to such behaviour".

Conditions included asking for a detailed tree landscaping scheme and giving further consideration to the proposed loss of the toilets.

Miss Eynon said: "This application completes the redevelopment and regeneration of this important area of Kidderminster."

Planning permission was granted in April for 30 adjacent private homes.