£1m row of houses set for demolition

A row of luxury homes together worth more than £1million are facing the bulldozer to make way for a 25-home private residential complex for the elderly.

Developers hope to demolish a detached three-bedroom house and two bungalows.

The scheme in Wolverhampton Road, Codsall, is the latest example of backbuilding, in which homes are removed by developers who use the gardens to build flats or housing estates. The new complex, proposed by Lockett Property Holdings, would be aimed at elderly residents.

It could also feature nursing staff and a warden.

Codsall councillor Robert Marshall said: "As far as I understand, the development would be made up of 25 separate apartments.

"I believe the residents are not happy with the plans and I would tend to agree with them. I don't think this seems the right location for it. There is a worry it could cause more traffic."

At least two out of the three properties are being rented out to tenants.

One, who did not want to be named, said: "We have only been here a short time on a six-month lease but it would be a shame if the properties are demolished as the gardens are lovely."

Residents in neighbouring properties in Wolverhampton Road and Histons Hill are expected to pack a meeting of Codsall Parish Council on January 9 to voice their concerns.

Leading the objections is Dr Edward Morgan, a retired lecturer in biological sciences, who fears that his home in Histons Hill will be cut off by the development.

The 65-year-old also voiced fears for the safety of children going to schools nearby. "Traffic is the biggest concern," he said.