PLANS to build 65 affordable homes next to a chemical plant in Brierley Hill have been given the go-ahead.

The 32 houses and 33 flats will be built on land next to Hammond Chemicals, on the junction of Dudley Road and Canal Street.

A similar plan was thrown out in September last year, after councillors agreed that residents living in the new homes would be adversely affected by noise coming from the factory - a decision backed by an independent planning inspector when appealed.

But after Westleigh, the firm developing the site for Accord Housing, said they would build a row of apartments to act as a "noise barrier", the plan was given the green light on Tuesday - despite factory boss Shaun Hammond pointing out that hazardous and flammable solvents were stored in a warehouse just metres from where the block would be sited.

Mr Hammond told Dudley Council's Development Control Committee that although the firm had a "good safety record", there could be "no guarantees".

He said the plant generated a lot of noise due to the use of forklift trucks, cooling fans and drums being rolled down alleyways and was concerned that if residents complained, restrictions could be imposed that would hamper the businesses ongoing operations.

However councillors were told that the length and height of the apartment block would "reduce the impact of the noise" and the apartments living rooms and bedrooms would face away from the factory to minimise any disturbance to residents.

Only the corridors, bathroom and kitchen would face the factory boundary and the kitchen windows would be fixed shut and fitted with mechanical ventilation.

Tim Hart, land manager for Westleigh, reiterated that both West Midlands Fire Service and the Health and Safety Executive had been consulted about the plans and raised no objections, adding that the apartment block would also be fitted with a sprinkler system.

"Westleigh has already shown we are fully committed to working with Dudley Council to achieve a successful affordable homes development on this site," he said.

"They will be for Dudley borough residents most in need."

Councillor Asif Ahmed said he felt the noise disturbance issue had been addressed but added: "I hope that if there are future complaints about noise nuisance then the council takes into account that these people came afterwards and it goes in favour of Hammond Chemicals."

Councillor Mohammed Hanif added: "If we don't build the homes then what will we do with that site? It will become a dumping ground. Let's not put it to waste, let's build."

Five committee members voted in favour of the application and two abstained.