Plans for a new facility for older people in Rowley Regis have been given the go-ahead by Sandwell councillors.

Land by Moor Lane and Harvest Road in Rowley Regis will be used to build a 90 unit 'Extra Care' home containing one and two bedroom apartments. As well as the apartments, the development will have communal facilities for its residents all based around a shared garden. Councillor Ann Shackleton, cabinet member for social care said:

"I whole-heartedly welcome this facility. There is nothing like this in Rowley Regis and having visited the site, this is the right place for such a wonderful development for older people.

"I realise there were a few objections to this development but only a small portion of the field will be built on and as part of the planning conditions, the rest of the field will be landscaped and improved.

"These 'Extra Care' homes will provide older people with the independence of staying in their own home but still getting any care and support they require."

The project is estimated to cost £16.3million, subject to a tender process, with work expected to start on-site later this year and completed in 2021.