More than 60 homes could be built on an overgrown vandal-hit site in Stourbridge.

The 2.3 hectare site has been empty since Birmingham Metropolitan College closed its doors on the site in 2011.

Since then there have been complaints from nearby residents about the former Longlands College site standing empty and vandalism. But now, developers Persimmon Homes have lodged a planning application with the council to build 62 homes on the site.

The scheme will go through the normal planning process, but subject to it being agreed, it will hail a bright new future for the site. Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said:

“I’m delighted an application has been submitted to bring this site back into use. The application will have to go through the planning process for a decision but this is a great opportunity to ease residents’ concerns about the site and bring much needed housing to the area.”

A number of plans to bring the site back into use have fallen through since it has stood empty. In that time the site has been subject to vandalism and has become overgrown. Andrew Cleaves, Birmingham Metropolitan College principal, said:

“We are delighted that Persimmon Homes are seeking to develop the Longlands college site into an attractive and affordable housing development for the local community.

"If approved, the proposal submitted would see the land developed to excellent use, delivering new homes in the area and boosting local growth.”

The plans will be determined at a later date.