Former Brierley Hill charity base used by drug dealers could become new flats

Insight House, which was formerly Brierley Hill Labour Club, was raided by police in 2015 where officers seized 1,000 plants worth £500,000.

Now developers want to demolish part of the vacant building, located on Pearson Street, and turn it into 11 apartments.

Brierley Hill ward councillor Ridha Ahmed said: "If the development would be beneficial to residents and provide affordable housing, then I welcome these plans."

The building was used by charity We Love Carers and became known as Insight House before drug-dealers set up shop inside.

Before that the building operated as Brierley Hill Labour Club.

During an early morning police raid in August 2015, officers discovered a huge haul of the Class B drug at various stages of growth.

Some of the plants measured five to six feet high and were surrounded by large lighting rigs and ventilation fans.

The plants were found in the former function room where a glitterball also stood over the club's old dance floor.

The building was deemed a fire risk because of the packed wiring and growing equipment inside to power the factory operation.

When We Love Carers used the building it was converted for offices and a community cafe where carers could meet for support groups.

A charity spokesman in 2015 said the organisation moved out of the site earlier in April that year and was operating elsewhere.

A planning document submitted to Dudley Council over the new plans called the building 'redundant'.

The report said: "The proposed change of use is to covert the redundant building Insight House into 11 one and two bedroom flats."

A courtyard or amenity space for residents to enjoy also forms part of the plans which would be located at the rear of the building.

The building stands two storeys high. The site is located close to Asda supermarket and Brierley Hill High Street.

The planning application will be decided by Dudley Council's planning committee at a future meeting.