94 new homes set to get green light in West Bromwich
Nearly 100 homes could be built on council-owned land in West Bromwich, after plans were recommended for approval.
Proposals for 36 bungalows and 58 flats have been put forward for Oxford Road.
Council planners have urged Sandwell Council's planning committee to give the scheme the green light.
In a report they said it will 'free up larger houses for family accommodation'.
Councillor Preet Gill, cabinet member for public health and protection, welcomed the project - which she said was the latest step in the regeneration of West Bromwich.
She told the Express & Star: ""I think it's really positive that Sandwell Council is committed to building homes.
"West Bromwich has had really good investment in recent years with homes being built.
"It is brilliant that this development will have a mix of bungalows and flats because we know we need to build more homes for the elderly population.
"This kind of mix is good for Sandwell and West Bromwich residents."
According to the planning application, there will be 37 one-bed flats and 21 two-beds built on the site.
The project is set to be given the go-ahead at a planning committee meeting tomorrow (Wednesday).
A report to the meeting sets out the proposals: "The application refers to a large vacant council-owned site located on the northern side of Oxford Road, West Bromwich close to the junction with Hazelbeech Road and Oak Lane.
"The site forms part of the Edith Street CPO that occurred some years ago.
"The site used to consist of Victorian terraced properties...and is within a predominantly residential area.
"This new proposal is for 36 bungalows and 58 flats and the proposed scheme is designed to provide housing opportunities for tenants who need, or are likely to need, assistance or support at home in the future.
"The housing would also cater for families with a member who requires use of a wheelchair and council tenants that need to downsize, thereby freeing-up larger houses for family accommodation.
"All of the properties would be available for rent by Sandwell MBC."
Nearly 50 new homes could also be built in the centre of West Bromwich under proposals to erect a six-storey apartment block on a car park.
Forty-nine flats would be created in Victoria Street, with an underground car park for residents included.
But concerns have been raised about the loss of parking spaces for shoppers as a public car park near the junction with High Street would be swallowed up under the proposals.
