A significant £20m 'levelling up' initiative, which will result in the construction of new council flats in Tipton, has won the backing of councillors. Sandwell Council has been granted permission to construct 55 one-and-two-bedroom flats on Union Street, Tipton, following a vote by councillors in favour of the project.
The council said the flats would address a severe shortage of affordable housing and lengthy waiting lists in Tipton and across Sandwell. The existing blocks on Union Street, dating back to the 1950s, along with the adjacent Albion Street car park, would be replaced by a new three-to-four-storey block.
Land on the opposite side of Union Street and a council-owned car park would also be utilised for a new three-to-four-storey block of flats. Kiddies Playhouse Nursery on Union Street would remain unaffected.
The application was approved by the Black Country authority's planning committee at a meeting in Oldbury on October 23. The local authority received millions in 'levelling up' funds from the government to invest in the regeneration of Tipton town centre, with the main plans involving the demolition of the 70 year old flats on Union Street to make way for new ones.
However, initial plans to revitalise many vacant and dilapidated shops were abandoned due to escalating costs, reports .
The application's accompanying statement outlined the project's objectives: "The central aim is to regenerate two key underused sites within the town, by replacing 15 obsolete flats and derelict buildings to deliver new affordable, low-energy, socially rented housing. The council will also secure frontage improvements to the properties along Owen Street and invest in further highway improvements throughout the centre to improve safety and security."
It added, "The canal walkway will also be reinvigorated and upgraded, with other additional public realm upgrades and improvements. Together, these initiatives will act as a catalyst for further regeneration, by offering the town a new heart and focus."
Permission for the demolition of the shop and flat row on Union Street was granted in February, paving the way for the new development.
Sandwell Council highlighted the urgent need for the flats, citing a severe shortage of affordable housing and extensive waiting lists in Tipton and the wider Sandwell area. According to the council, over half of the units in Tipton town centre currently stand vacant.
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