Moxley hostel site is set to be sold for housing

Potential owners have until May 3 to make offers for the former Moxley Infants School land, in Moxley Road.

There was an outcry last year when it was revealed West Midlands Probation Trust was looking to create a hostel there for up to 40 offenders.

But residents were relieved when the local authority said the land should be used for housing instead. It is now on the market with the stipulation it should be used to create new houses, which councillors say are much-needed in the area.

Councillor Paul Bott, independent representative for Darlaston said: "We're pleased that the probation hostel was defeated by thousands of residents in Moxley and the land is now going back to what was originally wanted there – housing.

"I think the people of Moxley will welcome new housing on the site."

Moxley Infants School closed in 2006 and was part-bulldozed in 2009 following an arson attack. The 0.45-hectare site has been standing empty ever since.

Particulars for the sale of the land said it may be suitable for residential development but this would be subject to a successful planning application.

Hundreds of banner-waving residents marched in protest against the idea of a probation-run hostel at the site after plans were unveiled in February last year.

If a buyer is found, it will see a long-standing empty site in Moxley brought back to life.

The news comes just days after it was revealed plans for a factory have been submitted for the former Ductile Wesson foundry site in Bull Lane.