A large housing development could replace used car giant Carcraft’s site in the Black Country, paving the way for the firm’s relocation, after planning chiefs gave their go-ahead.

The 12.8 acre site in the middle of the industrial heartland on the Wednesbury and Darlaston border has received outline permission to be overhauled into a major estate with up to 200 homes.

Land owners Pennine Property Investments Ltd are exploring the most efficient use of the land, which could see the car company relocate from its Darlaston Road site.

Bosses at the company, which employs 51 people at its base, have ruled out an immediate move but have said there are plans afoot to move into a series of smaller branches to adapt to changing market conditions.

The internet has hit trade as fewer customers are going to view cars in big showrooms, preferring to rearch them online. Businesses like Carcraft are switching to smaller sites instead.