A BLOCK of flats is to be built on the site of the once-popular Hewell Road Social Club.

The club, near Redditch Railway Station, Batchley, is to be demolished and a three-storey block of flats erected by a company called Caf Quote.

Plans were originally submitted for 18 flats but planning officers at Redditch Council felt this would be an 'over-development' of the site, so the developer reduced the size of the scheme.

Last week, councillors on the planning committee gave the green light to the project, though some of them were concerned the front of the building was only set back by about a metre from the pavement.

The flats will be separated by iron railings and have automatic gate access for cars, which will be able to park down the side of the building.

The building will contain 10 one- bed flats and four two-bed flats.

Hewell Road Social Club was forced to close in May this year when it lost its liquor licence after police had complained about under-age drinking, assaults and fights.

The loss of the club was mourned by Redditch bands who felt there were few places left in the town to play concerts.

The developers of the new scheme said they would pay a contribution for education and recreation space in the town under a legal agreement with the council.