PLANS for a new dessert cafe opposite Dudley Zoo have been given the thumbs up by planners.

The proposal to convert a taxi booking office on Castle Hill has been approved by Dudley Council.

The dessert cafe, which will also offer takeaways, will provide jobs for three part-time employees.

A report by Dudley Council notes that the new cafe "will shortly be on the Metro Tram route and will require appropriate off- street parking to prevent obstruction of the shared road space."

Dudley News:

It also states that: "Dudley Zoo and Castle are situated immediately opposite the application site, with a casino and bar & restaurant (with offices above) located immediately adjacent to the application site.

"The application site is currently in use as a taxi booking office.

"The site comprises a vehicular access to the side of the unit off Castle Hill with car parking to the rear."

The ground-floor taxi office four car parking spaces at the rear and two at the front of the site.

Planning notes state: "It is considered the development would enhance the existing positive characteristics of the locality."

They go on: "The existing townscape would be enhanced whilst the proposal would preserve and enhance the setting within the Dudley Town Centre Conservation Area."