A DEVELOPER is looking to demolish a 100-year-old building that has been a social hub for generations.

The Drill Hall, on Stourport's Lion Hill, could be flattened by John Martyn Construction to make room for new apartments if a planning application lodged earlier this month is approved by Wyre Forest District Council

The neighbouring house - which like the hall was built early last century and has also been unused for several years - would be converted and enlarged to provide a total of 12 flats.

As well as hosting various social functions and a shooting gallery, the hall was where Stourport men received the Queen's Shilling before they left for the trenches in the First World War.

The district council is insisting two "historic" plaques displayed in the building be salvaged.

Stourport Civic Society has been advised by English Heritage that it is not of "great architectural interest" but stressed it has played a central role in the town.

Society chairman Pauline Annis said: "It was a very important part of the town's social life.

"We're hoping the developer will incorporate the hall's foundation stone into some part of the new extension.

"It's sad when old buildings are lost and there's no record them being there."

The planning application is likely to being considered by the district council's planning (development control) committee next month.