Residents to fight flats plan

Plans to knock down a once popular Stourbridge snooker club and replace it with a three storey apartment block will be subject to a public inquiry tomorrow.

The proposal to demolish Minnesota Fats pool and snooker club in Parkfield Road and build 16 two-bedroomed apartments in its place was refused by Dudley Council.

But owner Clockfair Ltd has appealed to the planning inspectorate against the decision.

And representatives will be battling to get the decision overturned tomorrow, despite numerous objections from neighbours.

Dudley Council's planning officers and councillors will also get the chance to urge planning inspectorate bosses to uphold their decision.

The enquiry will start at 10am in the council chambers in Priory Road, Dudley, and residents are allowed to attend.

Councillor Adrian Turner, who will be speaking on behalf of objectors, said: "These flats are going to look so big, they are going to tower over other properties in the area." Parking is a main concern. Bosses at Clockfair, which owns Minnesota Fats, say demolishing the 92-year-old building and creating a modern new apartment block will benefit the area. One resident supports the plans.