Dudley housing site work begins as birds leave

Work has finally started on a multi-million pound housing development on former industrial land in Dudley after nesting lapwings caused a delay.

The construction of more than 300 homes has got under way in Pensnett.

The scheme was delayed for over a month as developers had to wait for young birds to leave nests before they could start work.

Landowners London & Cambridge Properties is working with Taylor Wimpey West Midlands on the scheme.

Diggers have moved in to start groundwork ahead of construction beginning.

Taylor Wimpey spokesman Ciaran McGuire said: "During the birds' stay at Himley View, we took every precaution to ensure they were undisturbed, including arranging for an ecologist to visit the site. All of the lapwings have now left their nests."

Planning permission for the scheme, made up of 334 homes and called Himley View, was granted in April.

It will be on land off Tansey Green Road and Oak Lane and includes a mix of flats and houses. A piece of public art – a sculpture of a funnel with smoke emerging to commemorate the Shutt End Colliery Railway – is also planned.