Homes project hit by planning policy row

The council had planned to approve plans to bulldoze the former Sampson Works in Rood End Road and create a new estate.

The site has been empty since manufacturers ERI Ltd moved in 2007 and the authority was keen to see the land brought back into use. Kenmore Property Group purchased the 6.9-acre site in 2003.

Kenmore helped ERI, a shop interior manufacturing firm, move to a refurbished 125,000 sq ft unit in Fountain Lane, Oldbury.

The proposed scheme includes 25 per cent affordable housing and a financial contribution to the management and upkeep of West Smethwick Park.

However, the plans have hit a stumbling block as using the land for housing goes against council policy, contravening the Unitary Development Plan (UDP).

At a meeting Sandwell Council regeneration boss Councillor Bob Badham put forward a proposal to create an exemption for the site and refer the matter back to planning.

He said: "Everyone is aware of the continuing need to identify sufficient land for new homes.

"This is very important, for the renaissance of the Black Country. We need the land for extra housing."

However, Councillor Tony Ward, leader of the council's conservative group, said he had concerns that the move would set a precedent.

He said: "I am not happy about this. Going against the UDP defeats the object of having it in the first place.

"Saying yes to this would be a retrograde step."

Only nine members backed the plans for an exemption and six people abstained from the vote with the vast majority standing by the terms of the UDP.

Local councillor Gurinder Singh Josan, local member for St Paul's, said that he was disappointed by the decision.

He said: "This site has been empty for some time.

"It has been vandalised and is an eyesore and local people are very keen that it is brought back into use.

"I know that we need industrial land and jobs but the market isn't strong at the moment and I hoped that the council would allow the site to be redeveloped as homes."