A move to build 28 new homes on a former industrial site in Great Bridge has been backed by the council.

Two planning applications have been approved by planners at Sandwell Council for separate plots on the land off Mill Street in Great Bridge, Tipton, more than two years after they were first revealed.

The former factory site had attracted drug addicts and fly-tippers, according to the application, despite efforts to clean up the area.

“This irregularly shaped plot is currently waste ground that has been used for fly-tipping and frequented by drug users, as evidenced by the number of needles, syringes and other drug paraphernalia recently removed by the hazardous waste specialists commissioned by the applicants to clear the site,” the application said.

“The new owner of this site has recently erected fencing to the border with Fred Perry Walk where the drug users have been gaining access to the site. New drug paraphernalia is still being found on this plot but it is hoped that this activity will cease once the land is regenerated and redeveloped.”

The applications, which were first put forward in May 2022, followed a decision by Sandwell Council to reject an earlier move by Manesh Patel to build eight three-bed homes in Lewis Street in 2021.

The plans for the new 28 homes promised to “regenerate the neglected site” and improve security.

“The site is not aesthetically pleasing for the local community, including the residents on the site’s northern and western boundaries whose upper floors overlook the wasteland,” the application said. “The applicants wish to regenerate this neglected site and in doing so hope to give a greater sense of security to the residents and business owner whose properties border the proposed development.”

The new homes would be built next to and join Mill Street and Thomas Cox Wharf where residents are still waiting for the estate’s roads to be finished – years after moving in.

The residents were left angered and frustrated after being told that no emergency money had been set aside to finish laying the road and their only option was to fund the work themselves after developers Aurora Living and Mar City went bust. 

Sandwell Council said the developers failed to agree to any terms before going into liquidation which, it was claimed, blocked the authority from taking responsibility.