Plans for a new block of affordable flats directly opposite a forthcoming metro station in Tipton have been unveiled, as local authorities grapple with a severe shortage of homes for families.
Addressing a 'Critical Shortage' of Family Homes
Sandwell Council, in a joint application with SWG Construction, is seeking permission to build a two-storey block containing 12 flats. The proposed site is on the corner of Horseley Road and Railway Street, in the Horseley Heath area of Tipton.
The development is specifically designed to help tackle what housing officers describe as a "critical shortage" of three and four-bedroom flats for larger households. The mix of proposed units, ranging from one to four bedrooms, directly responds to this urgent local need.
Official council figures lay bare the scale of the problem. Applicants with a non-emergency need, such as overcrowding, face an average wait of nearly a year for a one-bed flat. The situation is far more acute for larger properties, with "very high" waits exceeding four years for a three-bed flat and stretching to nearly nine years for a four-bed home.
Strategic Location for Sustainable Development
The proposed building's location is strategically significant, positioned directly opposite the planned Horseley Road stop on the much-delayed Midlands Metro extension from Wednesbury to Dudley. This connection to the expanding tram network is a key part of the development's sustainability credentials.
A planning statement submitted with the application argues the project supports national policy by "providing high-quality, affordable, residential development in a sustainable location." The plans also include 18 parking spaces.
The statement further contends that the design seeks to minimise impact on the area's character and that no technical issues regarding ecology, highways, drainage, or noise should prevent approval. It concludes that the scheme "constitutes sustainable development" and meets both local and national planning policies.
A Step Towards Easing Local Pressure
If approved, this development represents a direct attempt by the local authority to increase the supply of affordable housing in an area with proven high demand and exceptionally long waiting times. By focusing on a site with excellent future public transport links, the council aims to create a viable, long-term solution for families in need of more space.
The move highlights the ongoing pressure on housing stock in the Black Country and the prioritisation of developments that can leverage new infrastructure, like the metro extension, to benefit the community.
