THE former Halesowen Magistrates Court site is set to be redeveloped after councillors passed plans for 30 apartments despite residents' reservations.

There were 11 letters of objection received, following consultation with 16 adjoining neighbours, which led to several complaints about application.

These included there should be houses not apartments, the buildings are too high and is not in keeping with surroundings, there will be insufficient parking, an increase in traffic and a loss of green space and trees.

Halesowen South Councillor David Vickers, who sits on the Dudley Development Control Committee, abstained during the vote in which other members passed the proposals.

He said: "I had to support the residents on this application which is in my ward, I am disappointed that trees and hedges have already been removed.

"I'm glad the plans have improved, the buildings are set back from Queensway instead of in a straight line."

He added: "I also asked what was happening with the tunnel which used to run between the court and the police station."

Halesowen Magistrates Court was one of the most secure in the country and used to hear terrorist cases due to the tunnel between neighbouring Halesowen Police Station.

However, the Ministry of Justice took the decision to close the court down in 2010.

The planning application report, which urged approval, stated: "In dealing with this application Dudley Council has worked with the applicant in a positive and proactive manner, seeking solutions to problems arising in relation to dealing with the application, by seeking to help the applicant resolve technical detail issues where required and maintaining the delivery of sustainable development.

"The development would improve the economic, social and environmental concerns of the area."