A development of 20 flats aimed at elderly people looks set to be built on the site of a petrol station and a funeral directors in Sedgley, it has been revealed.

Dudley Council planners have given the green light to developers Robert Hughes Homes, despite a number of objections to the scheme in Bilston Street.

The proposed development will be built on the site of both a petrol station, car repair garage and car accessory shop, and an adjoining spot used by a funeral director and stonemason.

The thumbs up comes after an application for 21 flats was refused by Dudley Council’s Development Control Committee in March last year.

Residents living near the site have complained the three-storey building is too high and should be reduced to two floors.

They also claim it is too close to the road, out of character with the rest of the street and that the balcony design could be unsafe.

Other criticisms suggest trees on the development would block light to homes opposite, which would also lose their privacy. But a report to councillors said developers would be asked to fund improvements to recreational facilities in the area as a condition.

Council officers have recommend approval for the plans despite the high density of apartments for the area. The council’s planning committee will be asked to approve detailed plans later this year.

“Residential development of the site is acceptable in principle, as the site previously developed land in close proximity to a central location where shops facilities and services are available, and is therefore considered to be relatively sustainable,” said a council planning report.

The application will go before members of council’s Development Control Committee on August 6.