Eyesore fly-tipping site in Oldbury could be transformed into 200 homes
The site of a former foundry in Oldbury which has become an eyesore plagued by fly-tipping could be bulldozed to make way for over 200 new homes.
An application to redevelop the former Hunt Brothers Griffin Foundry on West Bromwich Street is expected to be agreed by Sandwell’s planning committee tomorrow.
Taylor Grange Ltd and Lovell Homes are asking for permission to build 152 houses and 82 apartments in a move seen as a major boost for the nearby Oldbury town centre.
Local councillor Suzanne Hartwell is backing the plans and says they will be a boost to the area and its local economy especially when shops are suffering from the economic downturn created by Covid-19.
She said: "These types of developments are really welcome as no-one wants to live by or wants to see an eyesore.
"And it is certainly needed at the moment, it will bring much needed revenue to Oldbury town centre particularly for small businesses."
When the foundry was demolished in 2003 the land was earmarked for leisure and retail developments but despite several successful applications none were completed.
If accepted the homes will be split between two sites, located on either side of West Bromwich Street covering a total area of 14 acres.
In a report recommending approval to Sandwell’s planning committee, planning officers say the site has suffered from anti-social behaviour in the past.
"The residential development of the site is welcomed as it would bring a long term highly visible, vacant and derelict site into an appropriate use," the report said.
"It is noted that the proposal would be a departure from the adopted development plan where the site is allocated for mixed use purposes. However, although the site has had numerous approvals for mixed use developments, none have been developed.
"The site, which has suffered from fly-tipping and traveller incursion, would be suitable for a residential development."
