124 homes heading for fire-hit high school
More than 100 homes could be built on a derelict former school site that has been blighted by anti-social behaviour.
Redrow Homes Midlands wants to build 124 homes on the St Michael's High School site in Rowley Regis.
The 10-acre site has lain unused since the school moved to Curral Road in 2011.
Ward Councillor Chris Tranter said vandals had targeted the school's old buildings. Firefighters struggled to tackle a massive blaze at the Throne Road site in February 2013, which was believed to have been started by arsonists.
Councillor Tranter welcomed the planning application and said overhauling the site would be for the good of the local community.
He said: "I'm all for it, I think it's a good piece of land that would benefit from being brought back into use.
"We've had complaints from residents with regards to the trees that are growing out of control and there has also been anti-social behaviour.
"The old buildings have been set on fire and we've had all sorts of complaints coming from down there, so hopefully this will stop that happening.
"The anti-social behaviour isn't regular and I believe they have security patrols on the site now, but one anti-social deed is always one too many - especially for the local residents who border the site."
The application is still at an early stage, but has been reported to Sandwell Council's planning committee - which sits next Wednesday - by officers as it is likely to have significant interest for the community.
A report to the committee stated: "The application is being reported at a very early stage in its assessment to make members aware of the submission which is likely to be the subject of public interest."
Officers have recommended planning committee members visit the site.
Arsonists were blamed for the blaze in 2013, and residents claimed the old school buildings were regularly targeted by vandals since the school moved out.
