Plans have been given the green light to demolish the eyesore Cavendish House and kick-start an exciting £82m retail and leisure development in Dudley town centre.

An outline planning application submitted by developers Avenbury was approved unanimously by members of Dudley Council’s development control committee earlier this week.

It paves the way for Cavendish House and a number of other surrounding buildings to be knocked down. They include the former B&Q building, the former Rickshaw restaurant, a taxi office, a disused scout hut and the former Metro Bar pub. The developers will then put a mix of shops, restaurants, bars, offices, homes and hotels on the land. Alan Lunt, strategic director for place and deputy chief executive, said:

"Cavendish House has for too long been a symbol of decline on the landscape in Dudley town centre. This decision is yet another example of how Dudley is on the up, with over £700 million to be invested in the town over the next five years.

"This decision will see the building finally come down and work start on another exciting development for the borough. Along with the new bus and tram interchange, and the proposed Metro extension from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill which will run through Dudley, it promises an exciting future for Dudley.”

Dudley Council planning officers had recommended approval of the application. A report which went before the committee last night says it would provide a “significant regeneration opportunity” for Dudley town centre and complement a proposed new £20m interchange to serve buses and the proposed Metro extension to Brierley Hill.