Multi-million pound deal to build 180 homes near the Shropshire border
An 18-acre council-owned site near the Shropshire borderhas been sold to a homebuilding firm paving the way for nearly 200 homes to be built on the land.
The site near Albrighton, owned by Staffordshire County Council, has been sold to housing developer Taylor Wimpey in deal believed to be around £38 million.
Outline planning permission has already been granted for 180 homes in Codsall but Taylor Wimpey is due to submit a detailed application to South Staffordshire District Council ahead of work starting.
Work is is expected to start by the end of the year and the first homes would be available in spring 2017 if permission is granted.
The development will feature more than five acres of public open space, with education and transport contributions made to the local area as part of the agreement. The site, accessed from an existing roundabout in Watery Lane, will feature 72 affordable homes.
The sale to Taylor Wimpey was completed by strategic land specialists Richborough Estates. South Staffordshire Councillor Matthew Ewart, who represents Codsall North, said: "Richborough has proved to be a competent and professional organisation that has worked with the planners at district council to create a development appropriate to current housing needs.
"The mix of property types that they submitted to us as part of the outline planning application gives us the right combination of new homes for aspirational first time buyers and established family properties that will make a positive contribution to the growth and development of Codsall."
Guy Bicknell, senior land manager at Taylor Wimpey, said the development was in a prime position to the north of the village, surrounded by green belt land.
He said: "This is a prime residential development location and we're naturally delighted to have secured this site. The village setting is desirable and, with its transport links and proximity to Wolverhampton and Birmingham, we're confident that this will be a highly sought-after destination."
Jonathan Bloor, regional director at Richborough Estates, said the site had potential to deliver much-needed housing to the area.
