Plans for affordable rental housing in Smethwick approved
Council bosses have approved buying 39 new homes in Smethwick to be rented as 'affordable' council houses.
The properties would be located on the Brindley 2 redevelopment site, in Lewisham Road.
It would see 23 two-bed and 16 three-bed properties built on the former industrial site.
A full planning application for 155 homes was submitted by developer Countryside Properties in June.
Sandwell Council Leader Steve Eling said he expected the build to be complete by this time next year.
He explained: "This is a good news report, because the Brindley 2 site does now look like it will be brought forward for development.
"There was no previous planning given to a owner some years ago, but now a new owner has come forward and will take it on.
"I am incredibly pleased that we will be getting more decent, quality housing for the people of Sandwell.
"Its good value for money.
"We will satisfy the need of 39 families and of course we are building other new homes in the borough, too.
"There will be different mixes on the scale of house building we can do."
The former industrial buildings were demolished on the site in 2008.
The site will be to the north-east of Smethwick High Street and Rolfe Street station.
Councillor Peter Hughes added: "I would like to commend cabinet for providing housing other than building them ourselves."
Cabinet documents state: "The purchase of all the affordable units will assist the Council in reducing the number of people on the Council's Housing Register.
"It will generate additional income for the Council through additional Council Tax and potentially through the New Homes Bonus."
A final planning decision is expected to be made next month in relation to the overall 155 homes scheme.
The brownfield land has 'been cleared, levelled and remediated' according to applicant Countryside Properties, which claims it is ripe for development.
Speaking at a planning meeting last week, John Baker, Sandwell Council development and regulatory services manager, said: "We have no problems with the site.
"However, there are a few issues that we will be discussing when it comes to the planning meeting next month.
"This is a major application but its still early days yet."
A report submitted as part of the scheme claims the build will also 'boost the character' of the local area and added that the site could be a 'key opportunity.'
