Development approved for Dudley Guest Hospital

Proposals for the site in Tipton Road were unanimously approved at a meeting of Dudley Council's development control committee.

A massive noise-reducing 'bund', or embankment, covering one-fifth of the site will be constructed to combat noise from the neighbouring Thomas Dudley Ltd Foundry.

Two historic buildings from the old hospital - the administration block and the porter's lodge - will be retained and converted into homes, while the remainder will be demolished and new houses and flats built.

The council's public protection manager Tim Glews said: "It's been a long, hard battle to get to this stage."

Plans have been in the works for almost four years, with negotiations between developers Wates Living Space and the council continuing over the number of homes planned for the site.

Concerns were raised by Thomas Dudley that future residents could complain about noise - with the bund the option chosen to reduce the noise.

There are 400 people employed at the foundry, which has been in place for nearly a century.

Councillor Colin Elcock said: "We need to do everything in our power to protect this factory as it provides hundreds of jobs in this area.

"The site is very well set out, it's been beautifully planned.

"They're also looking after the old site, which is good as Guest Hospital is a really iconic site."

Councillor David Vickers said: "There's no doubt they could've put a lot more houses in there if they wished.

"I think Thomas Dudley have got grounds for concern, but I'm fairly confident that this bund and the landscaping will do a lot to alleviate those worries."

Councillors were unanimous in supporting the proposals on Monday night, which will now progress subject to an agreement about Section 106 fees.

The total amount of homes mooted for the site was reduced from 218 to 157 by Wates.

Seven years ago the hospital was taken off the hands of the NHS by the Homes and Communities Agency for houses.

Four years ago, Wates was appointed developer, but mine shafts and limestone works forced changes to the project.

The hospital closed more than a decade ago after most departments, including accident and emergency, moved to Russells Hall Hospital.

It was built by the Earl of Dudley in 1849 for injured miners, before chainmaker Joseph Guest turned it into a hospital.