Homes planned for huge industrial site

A prominent industrial site in the Black Country could be transformed under plans to create a new housing estate.

Developers have launched a bid for a change of use at land in Bloomfield Road, on the border between Tipton and Coseley.

Mar City Developments has earmarked the 20-acre industrial site for residential use and says it has potential to become a "landmark" residential development for the Dudley borough. They have submitted plans to Dudley Council for outline permission to change the land from industrial to residential use.

But they have not specified how many homes would be built as the application is still speculative.

Documents submitted as part of the scheme reveal that Mar City has held talks with Dudley Council's housing strategy team, which recommends a mix of family homes, bungalows and apartments, offered as a mixture for sale and for rent.

Public spaces such as a park and sporting facilities are also mentioned in the proposals.

If approved, it would be up to whoever takes on the development to submit a detailed application of the proposed layout for consideration by the council.

The site is partly occupied by Bloomfield Recycling and is bordered by redundant railway sidings, a vacant yard and a new residential development. If a residential redevelopment was to go ahead, Bloomfield Recycling would have to relocate – either within a different part of Bloomfield Road or to a different site.

In its design and access statement submitted as part of the planning application, Mar City says the application has been submitted to "demonstrate development potential" rather than a definite application to carry out the work. The scheme forms part of a wider masterplan for the borough.