400 new homes a year planned for Sandwell

New council houses will be built, empty properties brought back into use and business premises transformed into homes under the proposals.

The 10-year plan will also see brownfield or former industrial land sold off to developers to transform with housing estates.

The move has been driven by the borough's rising and changing population after wards such as Smethwick and Soho/Victoria have seen a 'specific young growth' and are currently being targeted by developers.

More than 60 per cent of residents are now aged 45 or under, but there is also significant growth in the number of older people.

Other proposals include improving the range of private sector properties available, acquiring additional properties through the 'buy back' option on ex-Right to Buy properties and the mortgage rescue scheme.

The council is also looking at options such as supporting developers to kick-start projects and developing equity release products to assist residents in improving their homes.

Housing strategy boss Councillor Ian Jones said he hoped at least 400 homes a year over the next decade will be made available to cope with demand.

Councillor Jones said: "All the wards are affected, but Smethwick, Soho/Victoria are specific young growth areas where there is land available. We're also looking to create more bungalows to accommodate those older residents who may want to downsize by releasing equity, but we realise this is a sensitive issue for many. "We're also looking to develop older people villages.

"Such schemes would allow larger properties to be released for growing families.

"Former factory sites and derelict land will be used for developments because there is limited space to build in areas like Smethwick. The hope is it can be done by attracting external investors.

"We would be looking at a conservative estimate of creating 400 new homes a year. We're expecting that estimate to rise."