Tenants move into new Sandwell council homes

Fifteen two-bedroom apartments have been built on the site of former Victorian terraced houses at the junction of Raglan Road and Durban Road.

The project has been built by contractors E Manton's and is part funded by the Homes and Communities Agency.

The building is designed as two wings of differing heights - two and three storeys. The scheme has been designed to achieve level four in the Code for Sustainable Homes and achieve Building for Life Silver Standard.

It also meets 'green' home building standards by harvesting rainfall and using solar panels to supply electricity, which will help reduce fuel bills for the tenants.

Tenants are now moving into the new council homes and they will be managed by Sandwell Homes on behalf of the council.

This is one of the first phases of the neighbourhood plan which has been adopted for the Windmill Eye area of Smethwick.

Sandwell Council leader Councillor Darren Cooper said: "Residents were not the only ones to feel the benefit of the project as contractors E Manton's took on three local apprentices and a work experience placement.

"They were able to work on the development through Sandwell Council's Think Local Construction scheme and gained invaluable experience during the project."

Cabinet member for housing Councillor Simon Hackett added: "This is another example of my commitment to provide more homes in the borough for people to rent.

"This comes on top of our announcement last week to have more homes in Sandwell for people to buy at affordable rates."

Assad Hamed, area manager for Homes and Communities Agency Midlands, said: "The HCA is pleased to have supported Sandwell Council's ambitions to build more new council homes for the community in Smethwick and to boost local economic growth through employment and training. 

"We have worked to ensure that the homes have been built to a high design standard and respond well to local need, providing a good mix of housing."