Masterplan for 5,000 homes across Sandwell and Birmingham is unveiled

Five sites would be transformed under the £400 million development plan.

The Greater Icknield and Smethwick Housing Growth Prospectus will aim to rejuvenate key brownfield sites and provide much-needed housing at Black Country and second city border.

Homes will spring up around the new Midland Metropolitan Hospital in Grove Lane, Smethwick, while Windmill Eye and Brindley Canalside in Smethwick are also in line for major investment as part of the masterplan.

Icknield Port Loop and Spring Hill in Birmingham would also undergo redevelopment.

The project has been launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority, in conjunction with Sandwell Council and Birmingham City Council.

Leaders are seeking to attain Housing Zone status from Government which could see the homes delivered more quickly.

Sandwell Council leader Steve Eling said: "The Greater Icknield and Smethwick housing scheme has already attracted considerable investment and commitment from the public and private sector.

"We have a shared vision, delivery is already under way and we want to keep that momentum going. This prospectus sets out what we are doing to bring forward that vision - putting brownfield land to good use to accommodate quality new housing."

Around 900 homes will be built around the new £350 million 'super hospital' in Smethwick.

This includes 142 homes on the former Atlas Metals site, with 40 expected to be completed next year.

The former Heartlands Furniture site will also provide up to 300 homes.

Another 755 homes will arrive alongside the Birmingham Canal in Smethwick as part of the Brindley Canalside development.

This includes up to 400 potential new houses and apartments in the Rolfe Street area, and 200 new homes around Rabone Lane, all which would provide easy access to the town's two train stations.