PLANS have been lodged to convert a car garage and showroom in Astwood Bank into new apartments.

The Evesham Road site, which has a vehicle workshop and MOT centre, could be transformed to provide five "much needed" homes in the area if proposals are approved.

Applicant Mr Godhania wants permission from Redditch Borough Council to change the existing use of Astwood Bank Garage to develop a Class E retail unit, with five new apartments.

The retail unit would be on the ground floor, along with a storage area and a two-bedroom apartment. The first floor would have a couple of two-bedroom apartments and two three-bedroom apartments.

The site is within a residential area where new housing is accepted in land use terms, according to the plans.

The planning statement highlights that the "cessation" of the vehicle operation would benefit neighbours, as the removal of the garage is likely to reduce the levels of noise, disturbance and traffic.

It also said the removal of the former petrol forecourt canopy would be a "visual gain" for the area, with the current site having "little visual merit."

Developers said: "The current building and site is composed of several elements and a more cohesive design and layout would be used for the whole building, leading to a significant visual gain for the site and street scene."