A DERELICT carpet factory in Kidderminster could be turned into flats as part of major new plans submitted to Wyre Forest District Council.

Kidderminster builder Rob Whitehouse is the developer behind the proposal to bring the former Carpet Manufacturing Company site in Park Lane back into use as 22 two-bedroom apartments.

Known as the Rock Works, the building dates back to the 1880s but has fallen into a state of disrepair since the carpet factory closed down.

Kidderminster Shuttle: The derelict factory building has been empty for more than 20 yearsThe derelict factory building has been empty for more than 20 years

Mr Whitehouse, who bought the site 20 years ago, said the building has been the target of several acts of vandalism over the years, including 14 break-ins and a fire.

Speaking to The Shuttle, Mr Whitehouse said: "This is something I’ve wanted to do for years but we’ve had a lot of planning obstacles to cross. People are desperate to see something done with this building. It’s derelict and has been struck by vandals several times over the years.

"There is a need for new homes in Kidderminster and this would bring a historic building back into use, rather than it being knocked down."

The plans would see the building extended upwards to create a fourth storey, while maintaining the sawtooth factory roof. Some of the apartments would have balconies.

John Shakeshaft, from Baustudio Architects in Bewdley, said: "We want to maintain the character of the building as much as possible.

"The top floor would be built back from the front of the building to maintain the sawtooth factory roof, and we'll carve out the middle section to create a covered internal street with a garden."

Kidderminster Shuttle: A separate planning application is being submitted to close off the steps to Hill Street, which is said to be a hotspot for drug-dealingA separate planning application is being submitted to close off the steps to Hill Street, which is said to be a hotspot for drug-dealing

If approved by the council's Planning Committee, the development is expected to take three years to complete at an estimated cost of between £1.5 to £2 million.

A separate planning application is being submitted to close off the alleyway and steps at the side of the building, leading up to Hill Street, which Mr Whitehouse says is a hotspot for anti-social behaviour and drug dealing.

The plans include erecting iron gates at the bottom of the steps, incorporating a carpet loom to commemorate the building's history.

A network of tunnels beneath the Rock Works, which are said to have been used as air raid shelters during the war, would be opened to the public for school trips.