PART of a huge office block in Halesowen will be converted into more than eighty apartments, after plans were given the thumbs up.

The East Wing of Trinity Point on New Road, near the Earls island, will be converted into 87 apartments.

The owner was granted approval for 75 flats on five levels - the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth floors - of the East Wing last September.

They have now been given the go-ahead for another 12 apartments on the first floor.

A report to planners at Dudley Council stated: "The current proposals promote Prior Approval for a change of use on the first floor of the east wing to create 12 apartments.

"This project would complement application P21/1387/PN30 and complete the conversion of all offices in the east wing to provide a total 87 apartments."

The one and two-bedroom apartments will have 59 parking spaces.

The application states that "The COVID19 pandemic has changed the demand for office space."

It goes on: "The area of Halesowen offers employment, leisure and retail opportunities for local residents.

"The Cornbow shopping centre and central bus station to Halesowen are less than 500 metres from the site.

"Therefore, the need to rely on the use of a private car is substantially reduced.

"For these reasons, town centre living is attractive to those people who do not own a private car."

A report by council planners approving the bid states: "Highway officer notes there is likely to be shortfall of parking given the parking standards.

"However, the officer notes the town centre location with access to service and public transport."

Windsor Academy Trust is based in the West Wing.

Trinity point has four storeys in its West wing - with the two wings joined by a central link.