Flats conversion of former Mount Hotel in Clent agreed
Plans to convert a fire-hit hotel into apartments have given the go-ahead despite objections from residents and councillors. The Mount Hotel in Clent, near Stourbridge, was abandoned for three years.
It shut down suddenly following a severe blaze during a wedding reception.
But the site was bought by a mystery developer in December last year and plans to transform the hotel into seven apartments and build three detached houses were lodged with Bromsgrove District Council.
Members of the authority's planning committee last night heard how the scheme had sparked complaints from residents in the village, who feared it would lead to an increase in traffic.
Speaking at the meeting, Roy Titterton, of Mount Rise, Mount Lane, said: "It will allow residents to look straight into my back garden."
Clent parish councillor Neil Robb said he was worried about traffic. Meanwhile, Fellow parish councilor Margaret Sherrey said she feared the scheme " was out of keeping with the conservation area".
Members of the planning committee, who had earlier visited the hotel site, said they had listened to and understood residents' concerns but the scheme abided by planning policies.
