Police called to Black Country hotel - now being used to house the homeless - 65 times in 18 months

But Dudley Council has given permission for part of the Superior Hotel – formerly the Ward Arms Hotel – to be converted into seven flats, despite police objections.

The hotel in Birmingham Road is reputed to be Dudley’s first hostelry, and was placed on the market three years ago with an asking price of £3.25 million.

Pc Bob Manson the hotel was at present being used for housing people on behalf of other local authorities, and had no private guests.

He said the hotel, which had 72 rooms, was already full to capacity, and adding nine private flats would mean there would be more than 100 residents living in the building.