Hundreds of homes to be built in Brownhills
A former market square is set to be transformed into new homes under a major regeneration project which will also include homes for older people.
In total almost 200 properties will be built on land in Brownhills which incorporates the site of the town's former market square.
Part of the proposals by Walsall Housing Group (WHG) are for 157 homes to be created on land at the rear of Silver Court to replace 85 rundown flats that were demolished nine years ago.
See also: Homes plan for former Wolverhampton police station.
In addition new roads and more than 200 car parking spaces will be created. It will also include a separate block of homes for the over 55s situated near the existing Humphries House and Severn House high rise flats.
A further 40 properties are earmarked for the old Brownhills Market premises in nearby Silver Street under the programme.
These homes will be placed on the open market for sale and include a mix of two-storey properties with some to be put up near the town's Methodist church.
A report to planners states: "Prior to the submission of the application, a public consultation event was held - 48 responses were provided with 23 from WHG tenants, 21 from owner occupiers and remainder from private rented or other tenure types.
See also: Council house sales in Dudley rise by 400 per cent.
"The vast majority of people either agreed or strongly agreed with the nature of the proposals with only one person in disagreement. The regeneration of the area using brownfield land was seen as a positive though was a desire to see more bungalows in the mix. The provision of additional parking for Humphries House and Severn House residents was welcomed."
Brownhills Market was closed for good after 40 years in 2011.
It had first shut down in June 2009 after then landlords Spook Erections failed to agree a new contract. Weeks later it was revived by council bosses but collapsed again in 2010.
Another company LSD Promotions ran it briefly before pulling the plug in 2011 after it failed attract enough traders. Planning bosses at Walsall Council have been recommended to give both schemes the thumbs up at a meeting on Thursday.
