PLANS to rejuvenate Tintern House in Stevens Park, Quarry Bank, have been approved by councillors despite objections from residents.

The scheme will see the building, an adjacent coach house and a disused changing block converted by the Emily Jordan Foundation – a charity dedicated to training and employing young people with learning difficulties.

The group will provide cafe facilities for their students and the public and run training workshops to help youngsters find work.

Residents complained the scheme would cause parking and traffic problems - and overall the council received nine letters opposing the plan.

Planning officers, however, recommended approval of the scheme and stated in their report: “The proposals form part of a wider Heritage Lottery Funded Scheme to improve and increase the facilities at Stevens Park in conjunction with landscape enhancements.

“The proposed works would bring an essentially vacant building back into use and would introduce facilities to be enjoyed alongside the existing park facilities as well as providing vocational training and employment opportunities for young people with learning difficulties.”

Members of Dudley’s Development Committee gave the thumbs up to the project at their meeting on Tuesday November 6.