Tenants are moving into the latest homes to be built as part of the council’s long term commitment to build hundreds of new council homes.

Nearly eight years ago Dudley Council embarked on a project to build new council homes across the borough, with a further commitment in 2014 to build hundreds of homes within a five year period. The completion of its latest development on Ketley Hill Road has seen the council reach a total of more than 200 completions since the project began.

The Ketley Hill scheme is a development of 20 homes. It includes a mix of two, three and four bedroom houses and is the first scheme to include a number of two bedroom dormer bungalows. The scheme cost in the region of £2.8million and has been funded in part by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Deal to support landowners and developers transform brownfield sites into new communities fit for 21st century living. Councillor Laura Taylor, cabinet member for housing, said:

“With the completion of this latest development we have now built more than 200 new council homes, which is fantastic news for the borough. We have demands for all kinds of flats, houses and bungalows but it’s great to see this development offer something a little different.  

"This is the first time we’ve been able to build dormer bungalows and they are a valued addition to our stock, offering flexible and modern living for tenants. Our ambition to build council houses doesn’t stop here. We would like to thank the Black Country LEP for their support in this most recent project.”

Dr Chris Handy, Black Country LEP Board Member, added:

“Funding via the Black Country LEP has enabled investment in new housing and is important part in our transformational journey in the Black Country. This project is an important example of councils building again which is great news.

"We need our local authorities to build homes as well as other developers if we are to going to build the homes we need for the future. The Black Country LEP is delighted to support the building of new homes for our residents and to see these new homes complete and meeting demand for quality housing in our area.”

The homes have been built by local award-winning developer Jessup Brothers as part of its framework agreement with the council. Other recent new build schemes completed with the assistance of Black Country LEP funding include developments at Davies Avenue, Marley Road, Mars Close and Leabank Road. Funding is also being used on the ongoing development on Middlepark Road.