PLANS to build a bed and breakfast in a village near Redditch have sparked anger among residents.

A planning application has been submitted to extend Alvechurch Sports and Social Club to provide bed and breakfast accommodation.

The applicant, Westbourne Leisure, want to build a three-storey rear extension at the club on Radford Road.

Proposals show 30 en-suite bedrooms including a disabled room, new toilets and a new managers accommodation.

A planning document notes the “business is in real jeopardy without significant investment to create new revenue streams such as overnight accommodation”.

It goes on to say: “The new accommodation will serve to underpin the enterprise, particularly during the week when customer numbers are low.”

To facilitate the extension, the function room will be demolished, and seven car parking spaces will be removed.

The plans have been met with anger from residents and district councillor for the area, Kate Van Der Plank, who has called the proposals “inappropriate".

She said: “The proposed new building and alterations to the existing building would be overbearing to neighbouring properties given the proximity to boundaries and its size.

“The proposed development is completely inappropriate for a historic village centre which is within a conservation area.

“Any new development is required to enhance or fit into the conservation area - these proposals do neither.”

Nearby resident, Laura Evans of Callow Hill Road said she “cannot see the need for bed and breakfast accommodation of this size in Alvechurch”.

She added: “There are numerous and varied options for accommodation already, all in close proximity to Alvechurch.

“My main concern would be the demand would not be there and over time the owners may resort to providing hostel type accommodation, much like that of a HMO, in order to generate an income.”

The proposals will be considered by Bromsgrove District Council planners.