Plans to convert part of the former British Sugar factory in Kidderminster into more than 100 care apartments have been given the go-ahead.

Planning chiefs this week approved the application by Wyre Forest Community Housing to create a 100 extra care housing apartments for people aged 55 and over and 12 flats for adults with learning difficulties.

The development will also include a 56 space car park, a residents lounge, a cafe and guest sleeping accommodation.

Wyre Forest District Council’s planning committee welcomed the proposal at a meeting on Tuesday (September 9) .

Councillors were told that there was a need for more facilities such as this due to the ageing population across Worcestershire. A report to committee estimates that, by 2031, there will be a 42 per cent increase in people aged over 60 and a 136 per cent increase in those aged over 85 across the county.

Conservative Councillor Stephen Clee said: “This is an application that is long overdue and much needed in this district. I am delighted to support this impressive scheme.”

Councillor Christopher Nicholls, Labour, added: “A development like this is brilliant for the area. I have called in at a few similar developments in Dudley and Stourbridge and have been very impressed with the vibrancy of these sorts of developments.”

The application is part of phase one of the redevelopment of the 74-acre former British Sugar factory, which closed in 2004.

In 2012, Wyre Forest District Council gave outline planning consent to regenerate the site, now rebranded as ‘Silverwoods’, for residential units, restaurants and cafes and a hotel.

Outline planning permission has also been granted for a leisure centre to be built on site.

And earlier this year, the council received £4million from the Government’s Local Growth Fund towards the new Hoobrook link road.

The first stage of the new road will link Stourport Road to Silverwoods, before eventually connecting to Worcester Road. Work is due to start early next year.