PLANS to build 132 new houses on the site of the former Stokes Forging plant in Brierley Hill have been given the green light.

Housing association Midland Heart has been granted permission to build the homes on the site of the former hammer forging plant on Cochrane Road.

The affordable development will provide a range of homes from one bedroom apartments to four bedroom houses and is the latest in a partnership between the housing association and developers Countryside.

Work on the site has already begun with demolition of the old factory and it is anticipated the homes should be ready for people to move into by next summer.

The project is also set to create new construction jobs in the area.

Chris Miller, Midland Heart’s Director of Development, said: “This development will turn a disused factory site into a mixed new community of much-needed affordable housing.

“As well as this development giving local people the opportunity to rent a quality home at a price they can afford, or to step onto the property ladder with shared ownership, our partners Countryside expect to create 165 construction jobs and even more in the supply chain – a no doubt welcome boost in these uncertain times.”

Adam Daniels, Managing Director, Partnerships West Midlands, Countryside, said: “We’re pleased to further cement our strong partnership with Midland Heart through the provision of much-needed affordable housing in Brierley Hill.

“We fully intend to use our presence on this project to support the Black Country economy with the creation of local jobs and the appointment of a local supply chain. We’re looking forward to commencing construction in a safe and socially-distanced manner in due course.”

The scheme comes after the site closed in 2019 and the land was acquired for development.

Plans for the site have been scaled back from the original application in January which sought to build 141 homes.

The new scheme will include two, three and four bedroom houses, two bedroom bungalows and one bedroom apartments, with a mix of affordable rent and shared ownership available.