180 jobs and 60 homes on way in eyesore revamp
Up to 180 jobs will be created as under plans to build 60 homes on an 'eyesore' factory site on the edge of a Dudley nature reserve.
The scheme is earmarked on the former Kuehne and Nagel UK buildings in Netherton.
The project would create around 180 construction jobs according to developer Persimmon Homes West Midlands.
Outline planning permission for the site at Saltwells Road has been granted by Dudley Council and it has now been sold to Persimmon Homes.
Persimmon has now applied to the authority for reserved matters to build 62 homes - with a decision due in the near future.
Ward councillor Jackie Cowell welcomed the move to redevelop the 'eyesore' site.
She said: "This is a good thing as it's just been a fairly miserable location for quite some time.
"Overall building 60 properties on the site can only be good news because we do need more development in the borough and desperately need more homes.
"This will bring new people into Dudley borough and jobs will be created as well.
"The future for development is going to be brownfield sites and this could be a fresh beginning."
The four-acre site is next to the Saltwells Nature Reserve, which covers 247 acres, and is an area of outstanding natural beauty.
It backs on to the hamlet of Mushroom Green and the Mushroom Green conservation area.
The derelict 100,000 sq ft storage and distribution unit is being demolished to make way for the new housing and this will be finished next month.
Tim Brickley, Persimmon Homes director, said: "If everything goes smoothly, and subject to planning permission, we would hope to start building on site in the New Year.
"Demolition works have now started and will be complete by December."
Persimmon has applied to build a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes of which five will be affordable.
The new development will also help to create around 180 local jobs according to the developer.
Mr Brickley added: "Dudley is certainly in need of new build properties and we have designed these homes to cater for today's modern way of life.
"We aim to provide a real diversity of house types to suit all needs.
"In turn, this development will also create many jobs boosting the local economy."
