Developer is ready to build 103 new homes in Smethwick

Barratt Homes has submitted plans for the new development which will form part of the major Windmill Eye redevelopment. The overall scheme will see 750 new homes built in total. Under latest plans land will be redeveloped at Messenger Road, Baldwin Street, Price Street, Watt Street and Beech Way. Windmill Eye sits within A457 Soho Way and Grove Lane to the north, and High Street and Cape Hill, to the south.

The area is mainly residential, but has concentrations of shops at High Street and Cape Hill.

Victoria Park forms the principal area of public open space. Redevelopment has taken place within the last 30 years over much of Windmill Eye.

The largest of the three areas of land subject of the application is the site of the former Messenger Road maisonettes, covering an area of about four acres. The former Victoria Court site has an area of around one acre, while the smallest of the three parcels, known as the James Watt site, is 0.7 acres.

Under the plans the 103 homes would be a mix of private and affordable housing. There would also be 173 car parking spaces – 21 garage spaces, four visitor spaces and 148 resident spaces.

The homes would be a mix of two, three, four and six bedroom properties.

Planning documents submitted with the application by Solihull-based architects Tyler Parkes state: "The proposals will see a positive improvement to the northern part of Windmill Eye and assist in the regeneration of the area. They are consistent with detailed policy requirements at all levels and the local planning authority is therefore requested to grant planning permission."

A number of buildings have already been demolished to make way for the redevelopment.