Plans for 200 homes on Oldbury eyesore site approved
Plans to sweep away an eyesore site in Oldbury and build 233 homes have passed the final hurdle – after councillors voted to give them a green light.
The development of the industrial land, off West Bromwich Street, will now go ahead after planning rules were changed to allow it to be used for housing.
Councillor Peter Hughes said alterations to local development plans could be controversial but he added: “For once I think there will be an overwhelming approval for this.
“It there ever was a site that needs developing and looks like a blot on the landscape this is one and quite rightly it will address the massive housing gap we have in Sandwell and I think we should now get on with it.”
The plans were granted planning permission in July dependent on the approval of the full council.
Supporting the change, Oldbury councillor and chair of the planning committee Susan Downing said past business developments had failed to be built.
She said: “In the 12 years I have been a councillor there have been four applications on this land that have not have been forthcoming. So I hope this materialises. This site is a blight on Oldbury Town.”
The plan will see 152 houses and 82 apartments built on the site which has suffered from anti-social behaviour.
The new estate was agreed by the planning committee in July, when council officers said: “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 site, which has suffered from fly-tipping and traveller incursion, would be suitable for a residential development.”
Councillors at Sandwell’s full council meeting voted unanimously in favour of the plans.
