Houses scheme bags an award

An innovative housing scheme which could see residents “self-build” their own homes has won Sandwell Council a planning award.

Councillor Bob Badham, cabinet member for regeneration and transport, recently collected an accolade for the authority’s contribution to town planning from the Royal Town Planning Institute.

The award recognised the achievements of the Greets Green Housing Implementation Project.

The partnership between Sandwell Council, Greets Green Partnership, Urban Living, Sandwell Homes and RegenCo will see unsuitable houses making way for major redevelopment and regeneration in the Greets Green area of West Bromwich.

The project will allow some residents to get involved in designing their own homes. The first phase of the process will see development sites sold to a private house builder in the coming months.

Councillor Badham said: “This award recognises the achievements of this project and the innovative way we are meeting housing needs.

“The accolade is particularly special as the project was led by John Harden, Sandwell’s planning development manager, who recently retired after 30 years of service.”