Arson-hit Sandwell College earmarked for homes
Nearly 180 new homes look set to be built on a grade II-listed college targeted by arsonists, as council planners were urged to give the scheme the green light.
Proposals for the former Sandwell College and Crocketts Lane Primary School site have been hailed as a key part of the regeneration of the area.
Councillor Richard Marshall has welcomed the proposal.
"It will be a fantastic development to happen in Smethwick, which will look to utilise the part of the grade-II listed building," he said.
"The process to get this far has been on going for many years now, where we have had many people complaining about how much of an eyesore the site it.
"It's been a haven for fly tippers and even arson attempts, so it's pleasing to now be finally able to support this application.
"Smethwick is a sought-after area which is being heavily invested in, with examples being the developments at Lightwoods and West Smethwick Parks through the help of lottery grants."
The ambitious proposals would see the former technical college building and two old school structures brought back to life and turned into 93 flats.
Developers have said they are looking to partially bulldoze part of the locally listed former junior school as part of the scheme, as well as building 85 new homes.
Arsonists have targeted the site in the past. The plans have been submitted to the authority by ESRG Developments Ltd.
According to a design and access statement, which was submitted with the plans, 'a cycle and pedestrian route has been provided which will give direct, safe pedestrian and cycle access to the park'.
Back in January Sandwell Council leader Darren Cooper hailed the proposals, calling them a 'key part of the regeneration of the area' and was optimistic the 'beautiful' site could be returned to its former glories and become a jewel in the crown for Smethwick.
The statement says: "The listed building is central to our design approach."
The development is recommended for approval.
The college's Crocketts Lane campus falls within the High Street and Crocketts Lane Conservation Area.
The main block is statutory listed grade II, which has to be retained and form part of any ongoing scheme.
Two further buildings have been locally listed by the planning authority and are worthy of preservation.
The Smethwick campus eventually closed down in 2012.
