Dudley Council has vowed to use all means necessary to secure the future of a new housing development in Colley Gate.

Planning permission was granted last month for a block of eight apartments on a site currently occupied by four derelict shops, which are standing empty on the corner of Colley Gate and Colley Lane.

The apartments would be built by Dudley Council and provide affordable housing to people on the council’s housing waiting list. The council currently owns one of the properties at 128 Colley Lane and is in the process of acquiring the remaining three.

The council continues to pursue negotiations with the landowner but is committed to using its compulsory purchase order powers if necessary to acquire the properties and get the development moving in the right direction. Helen Martin, director of regeneration and enterprise, said:

"This development was granted permission recently, which is another major milestone in this development and regeneration of the local area.

"We will pursue the purchase of the properties, whether that’s through an agreed deal with the landowner or a compulsory purchase order to make this development a reality."