Hundreds of homes planned near Sandwell's new super hospital

Council bosses want to see homes spring up around the new Midland Metropolitan Hospital, which is being built in Smethwick as part of a regeneration of the area.

The homes would be built around the Grove Lane and Cranford Street, right next to the new hospital, close to the Birmingham border.

Sandwell Council said it was also keen to regenerate parts of north Smethwick, while continuing with improvements in West Bromwich town centre.

The plans were included in a report setting out proposed changes in the borough over the next decade. Bosses said they plan to work with the West Midlands Combined Authority to help bring the projects to fruition.

Smethwick councillor Richard Marshall said there appeared to be exciting times ahead for the area.

He said: "Smethwick is a place people want to live but at the moment we haven't go enough homes or school places. We are desperate to get more homes built.

"A lot of that land is old industry and is closed down. A hell of a lot of money is being pumped in around the hospital and it is good for the whole area."

Construction work on the £350 million 'super hospital' is continuing to progress and it is expected to open its doors in spring 2019, becoming Sandwell's main hospital.

Council bosses are also aiming to build more homes around West Bromwich town centre over the coming years.

New properties have already been built around Bull Street and it has been suggested more could be built on the site of the derelict Queens Square multi-storey car park, which has been earmarked for demolition.