Netherton flats demolition is backed by Dudley Council

Hundreds of people could be moved to new homes when the flats are eventually demolished.

Councillors on the Cabinet backed plans to demolish Arley Court, Compton Court, Manor Court and Wells Court at a meeting on Wednesday.

The authority has carried out a review of its housing stock, which revealed a huge spend was needed to keep the high-rises in good condition.

Bosses decided the four blocks, which were built in the 1960s, were no longer sustainable, as they needed a minimum of £9.1 million spent in the short term to get them up to scratch.

Speaking at the meeting, Councilor Gaye Partridge, Cabinet member for housing, said the decision was an 'operational imperative' and the council's hand had been forced by its financial situation.

She said: "These are homes where there are real communities of long standing and with people much committed to their locality.

"It's regrettable that this means people will have to leave their homes.

"This is a life-changing decision and Cabinet needs to acknowledge that. As a council we will do more than what is reasonably expected of us with dealing with the consequences of this decision."

Ward councillor Elaine Taylor previously estimated up to 300 residents could be affected by the decision.

The scheme will now go in front of the place scrutiny committee in September before it should be rubber-stamped at a full council meeting in October.

Consultation with residents who live in the four blocks began in May and is ongoing.

Chiefs said a decision about the future use of the sites has not yet been taken but it is likely to see 'new, lower-density builds' than the current high-rise blocks.

If it receives full council backing each tenant will then receive face-to-face meetings with officers who will 'undertake an individual assessment of their needs'.

A report said: "Re-housing would begin once these assessments were complete, most likely from the start of 2017.

"We would estimate that the rehousing process would take around 18 to 24 months based on previous experience of similar schemes, although it could take less or more time."

Tenants aired concerns at a public consultation with council officers held at Netherton Arts Centre last week. Residents hit out at the meeting saying Dudley Council has failed to carry out repairs following complaints over maintenance.