Homes plan for 'prestigious' site in Cradley Heath
More than 130 affordable homes could be built on land in Cradley Heath under new plans lodged with council bosses.
Galliford Try Partnerships has submitted proposals for 135 homes on a former industrial site off Woods Lane - near to Cradley Heath train station - to Sandwell Council.
The news has been welcomed by a Cradley Heath Councillor Ann Shackleton who said it was a 'golden opportunity' to build homes on a 'prestigious' area near the station.
The proposed site already has outline planning permission for residential development which was granted in March 2018.
Full planning consent was also granted for the creation of an access road link from Macarthur Road through to Woods Lane – which will provide the main access road through to the proposed development.
What do the plans feature?
The plans include a range of two-storey houses and three-storey apartments, including two to four-bed dwellings.
There will be a total of 42 two-bedroom apartments and 58 two-bedroom, 29 three-bedroom and six four-bedroom houses.
A design and access statement, submitted with the plans, states: "The development will be an affordable housing scheme, comprising of 135 dwellings in total.
"The proposals aim to design a scheme that meets local resident's needs by creating a neighbourhood that integrates into and enhances the surrounding context, whilst creating a distinctive character and place.
"The varied mix of house types responds to the local housing needs.
"The allocation of the site for 100 per cent affordable housing, is a response to the local needs, providing a mix of houses and apartments, creating a balanced and sustainable community close to an urban setting.
"The mix offers house types which can provide flexible arrangements, helping to cater for the differing needs of the local people."
Ward councillor pleased with plans
Councillor Shackleton said: "The area itself has been used for industrial purposes for a long time and lots of buildings are in poor condition.
"This is a golden opportunity to use the land for house building in such a prestigious plot near the station. It's a good news story.
"I definitely think without a doubt it should be approved. We welcome them on the few pieces of spare land in the area and we need to respond to house building because it is very much needed.
"This land for house building has been in the pipeline for a while so I am pleased it is finally coming into fruition."
Sandwell Council's planning committee will decide whether to grant the scheme approval at one of their meetings in the coming months.
