Hundreds of council homes could be demolished in Dudley
Hundreds of outdated council homes could be demolished in Dudley over the next decade, it has been revealed.
About 2,500 properties have been red-flagged for either renovation or demolition work in a bid improve housing conditions.
Among the homes shortlisted include four high-rise blocks in Netherton earmarked for demolition in 2023.
Dudley Council planners say replacement council homes could be built on demolition sites.
But the 10-year project, approved in October, is likely to reduce the number of social homes available to Dudley's residents.
The findings, set out in a Black Country Plan report, reveal Dudley aims to carry out all the work by 2029.
Overall, the red-flagged homes represent 12 per cent of Dudley Council's housing stock, the equivalent of more than one in 10 council homes.
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The report, revealed in December's Urban Capacity Review, said: "Dudley Council’s 10 year housing asset management strategy [October 2019] has identified that there are around 2,500 properties [some 12 per cent of the council’s stock] that are considered not viable and are red-flagged for review for strategic investment, de-investment or demolition.
"Whilst precise demolition estimates are not known or approved at this time, it is possible that there will be some demolitions over the next 10 years, and potentially replacement homes on demolition sites, which will need to be factored into future SHLAAs [Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment].
"This is likely to result in an overall loss in housing capacity."
Dudley Council could not confirm how many homes will be demolished, but a council spokesman said: "We have a number of properties where we need to look at the long-term future options.
"This work is ongoing but there are no current decisions or proposals for demolition, other than those that have already been approved."
While the work is seen as positive action by council planners, some residents have been opposed to seeing their homes demolished.
A public meeting was held at Netherton Art Centre, in 2016, over plans to demolished Arley Court, Compton Court, Manor Court and Wells Court.
Since then the council has been helping residents to move out into other social homes within the borough.
Councillor Laura Taylor, cabinet member for housing, communities and residents’ welfare, said: “The demolition of the Netherton high-rise flats is a complex and important project that we are making good progress with.
"We still expect to complete this work within our target date of 2023.
"This is part of the council’s strategic approach to managing it’s housing stock, with our ten year asset management strategy formally approved at cabinet last year.
"We’re now looking at a range of options to ensure the most efficient use of our stock."
