Sandwell Council is working with Seddon Housing Partnership to bring 20 new council homes to sites in Oldbury and West Bromwich.
A total of 12 homes are under construction at Crosswells Road in Langley, Oldbury with a mix of two and four bedrooms including three bungalows. The site was once used for a council-run depot.
Eight homes with a mix of two, three and four bedrooms are being constructed at a site in St Vincent’s Crescent, West Bromwich where council-owned shops with flats above were demolished.
All the homes will have Photo Voltaic (PV) panels installed to help Sandwell Council meet its carbon-neutral ambitions by utilising renewable energy sources. The roof panels will also benefit tenants by reducing their energy costs. All properties will also include superior insulation systems.
Some of the homes being built will include bespoke features to meet the changing needs of potential tenants. This includes features such as wheelchair friendly access and downstairs wet rooms.
Work got underway on-site in February 2024 with homes due to be offered through the council’s choice-based letting system in spring 2025.
The homes have been grant funded by Homes England and Sandwell Council with a total investment of around £6.2million across the two sites.
Councillor Vicki Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development visited both sites to see the progress being made by Seddon. She said: “These 20 properties are a much-welcomed boost to our council homes stock and will provide tenants much-needed affordable housing.
“Sustainability is at the heart of these developments and delivering these properties with the inclusion of renewable energy and fantastic insulation means our tenants will benefit from reduced energy costs. The bespoke features will benefit tenants and improve the quality of life for those with limited mobility.
“We know that high-quality housing boosts wellbeing and helps our residents feel secure which is why we are investing in building new council homes that are available at affordable rates of rent.”
These two sites are part of the latest additions to Sandwell Council’s rolling new build programme.
Tony Clark, Regional Director at Seddon, added: “It was important to Seddon, based upon the relationship with Sandwell Council, to help them reduce their carbon footprint and ensure we are building sustainably.
“Being involved from the start, has ensured not only a good relationship with the local community, but also that we had time to carefully plan the works with our supply chain and ensure it is completed in line with Sandwell’s key deadlines.”
