THE old BT office building in Kidderminster is set to be converted into new homes after being sold for £385,000.

Mario Construction has secured planning permission to turn the three-storey building at 75 Mill Street into 13 single-bedroom flats.

The planning application received two objections relating to drainage, parking and congestion, however a council watercourse officer raised no concerns and the site was deemed to have substantial parking to the rear and front of the building.

Jay Mann, from Mario Construction, said: "Our main focus as a building company is pre-fabricated homes, but we work on conversions as well.

"We saw this property was up for sale and it was clear from the start it represented a significant opportunity, so we approached the property agents John Truslove."

New owner Mario Wojcik plans to turn the detached building, which was recently refurbished, into individual apartments.

The current layout provides two-storey offices over workshop and storage facilities, fronting on to Mill Street.

The building was originally purchased for commercial use, but the new owners later agreed the site would attract greater demand as a residential conversion.

Ben Truslove, joint managing director at John Truslove, said: "There were a number of bids for this property but Mario and his team were clearly the best option for the owner.

“This is a mixed area of residential, commercial and retail properties and clearly lends itself to conversion from offices to homes, as shown by the Wyre Forest Council decision to grant planning permission for Mario Construction’s proposals.

“These new homes will help fill a continuing need in the Kidderminster and Wyre Forest area and we look forward to seeing the development taking shape.”