UNSEEN artist's impressions show what the old Rock Works carpet factory in Kidderminster will look like once it's turned into apartments.

CGI images of the Park Lane site show how the now-derelict factory will be extended upwards to create a fourth storey, while maintaining the well-recognised sawtooth roof.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Architect John Shakeshaft and developer Rob Whitehouse at the old Rock Works carpet factoryArchitect John Shakeshaft and developer Rob Whitehouse at the old Rock Works carpet factory

Much of the historic features of the building will be retained, including the existing windows and an upper-floor archway where the building was once connected by a bridge to the Park Wharf buildings opposite - where Matalan now stands.

Plans to turn the former Carpet Manufacturing Company site into 22 two-bedroom apartments were approved by Wyre Forest District Council's Planning Committee on Tuesday night.

Kidderminster Shuttle: CGI images show what the apartments will look like once completeCGI images show what the apartments will look like once complete

During the meeting, committee members raised concerns that no car parking was included in the scheme, however the council's development manager said a suggestion for parking underneath the flats was considered dangerous from a Highways perspective due to insufficient visibility exiting the building.

Committee members voted to approve the plans, subject to the signing of a Section 106 Agreement and conditions.

Kidderminster builder Rob Whitehouse, the developer behind the plans, said he hoped Highways would reconsider their stance on the undercroft parking.

Kidderminster Shuttle: An artist's impression of what the apartment building will look like insideAn artist's impression of what the apartment building will look like inside

The development is expected to take three years to complete at an estimated cost of between £1.5 to £2 million.

A separate planning application is being submitted to close off the alleyway and steps at the side of the building, leading up to Hill Street, which Mr Whitehouse says is a hotspot for anti-social behaviour and drug dealing.

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The plans include erecting iron gates at the bottom of the steps, incorporating a carpet loom to commemorate the building's history.

A network of tunnels beneath the Rock Works, which are said to have been used as air raid shelters during the war, will be opened to the public for school trips.