COUNCIL planners have approved a new block of flats in Dudley town centre which they say will boost regeneration.
Members of Dudley's development control committee gave the go-ahead for the construction of 14 new flats on land at the rear of St James's Road.
The three and four storey block will be built on land currently used for car parking close to a block called The Birches.
Four residents of The Birches had objected but councillors rejected their concerns, instead arguing regeneration of Dudley included providing homes near the central area.
Committee member, cllr Tim Wright said: "Regeneration of Dudley is not going to come about through colleges and shops, we have got to get people back to within walking distance of the town.
"People need somewhere to live and the design is in keeping, I can't see any reason to object. We need regeneration and we need people living back in Dudley."
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