Under-fire Willenhall estate plan will result in 160 jobs
More than 160 construction jobs will be created under plans to build a new large-scale housing development on industrial land in Willenhall.
A total of 112 houses and flats are planned for Spring Lane, despite more than 20 objections to the scheme.
Three existing companies will be forced to leave the site and 60 workers will have to relocate, which sparked concerns for their welfare.
Members of the council's planning committee are being recommended to grant permission to the regeneration proposals tonight.
Around 168 temporary construction jobs will be created as part of the plans which include car parking, gardens, landscaping and a pond being created.
But a representative from one of the three firms, Wedfab Ltd, who did not want to be named, said: "It is going to cost me money that I haven't got to move.
"I have obviously got people who are working for me and it has disrupted them, they are not sure about their own future. I have had two people leave because of the uncertainty.
"I don't really want to move because of the expense of it all."
Existing buildings will be demolished to make way for the homes which will be a mix of two bedroom apartments and two to four bedroom houses. On the opposite side of Spring Lane is also residential development of two storey housing and flats.
Objections have been received by the natural environment team and there have also been 11 letters of opposition, along with a petition of 11 signatures.
The complaints which have been lodged concern the need to keep the site for employment, the ability of the road to deal with possible extra traffic, the loss of trees and lack of spaces for the likes of dentists, doctors and schools.
In his report to the committee, head of planning David Elsworthy, says: "The proposed redevelopment of the site for housing has been balanced against the visual improvement from redevelopment of the derelict factory and other premises in need of investment and the loss of the existing wooded area and other trees on the site is considered in terms of the impact on trees and wildlife.
He adds: "The need for housing and catering for population growth are an essential part of the housing needs of the borough.
"The existing buildings are ageing and in need of investment.
"The potential loss of 60 permanent jobs from the site is noted and the potential creation of approximately 168 jobs in the construction programme."
