PLANS have been lodged to turn a closed Stourbridge pub into apartments.

A full planning application has been made to partly demolish and convert the Labour in Vain pub into six two-bedroom homes.

The pub, in Red Hill, has been vandalised since its closure and currently sits empty.

In a heritage statement on the Dudley Council planning website, Kidderminster-based agent Mr M Taylor, said: “In terms of preserving the asset and its character I feel that the re-development is vital because whilst the building stands empty it is starting to deteriorate quite rapidly.”

He pointed to the garden being overgrown, the windows needing to be protected by metal shutters and graffiti blighting the building.

He added: “There is also graffiti and fly tipping occurring. This will only continue the longer it remains empty and so I believe action is required as a matter of urgency.”

The design and access statement states the building will remain ‘largely unaltered’ with only the demolition of a single storey toilet block planned.

It is anticipated that all the building’s features will be retained, while two new windows and doors will be added to allow access and more natural light.

Commenting on the plans, Councillor Les Jones, who represents Pedmore and Stourbridge East, said it was 'shame' that a traditional pub could vanish, but stressed the need for more homes.

He said: "It's a shame to see pubs going as we have lost so many in recent years but the world is changing. It's good it's put the building to good use rather than left to degenerate."

Comments are now open on the application under the planning reference P19/0805.