123 homes for old Black Country college site
More than 100 homes are to be built on the site of a former college in Rowley Regis.
The former St Michael's Business and Enterprise College site in Thorne Road will be demolished after councillors approved plans submitted by Redrow Homes to build 123 properties on the site.
The building has been empty since the college moved to a new site in Curral Road in 2010.
Developers say they have received positive feedback from people living nearby regarding the plans, while councillors have also welcomed the application.
Councillor Barbara Price said: "This is a beautiful site and has been vacant for long enough. It should be used and if we are going to get homes on there, the quicker the better."
However, concerns were raised that Redrow is only proposing to make just 12 of the new homes affordable - nine of which would be flats - which falls below Sandwell Council's target of a quarter.
Eighty of the properties would be four-bedroom and 34 three-bedroom.
Councillor Steve Trow said it was 'great that the site was being brought back into use' but that he would be keen for council planners to work with Redrow to ensure the amount was increased.
Despite those concerns, the application was unanimously approved.
