Homes for rent to be built on Telford school site

More than 130 homes will be built by Telford & Wrekin Council on two developments in Madeley and Randlay.

Planning permission was granted by the authority's own planning committee this week.

They will see 101 homes built on part of the former Woodlands Primary School in Madeley, and 31 built off the junction of Stirchley Avenue and Randlay Avenue, in Randlay.

The homes will form part of Telford & Wrekin Council's housing investment programme, which could see the authority build and rent out about 425 private and affordable properties.

It has already approved a plan to build homes at Southwater, Hollinswood, Malinslee, Wildwood in Woodside and Springfields in Newport, although no other planning applications have yet been submitted.

The council will set up and own a private company which will manage the properties.

Councillors say the plan will allow for the development of brownfield sites across the borough, which are currently struggling to attract interest from firms.

The project is expected to cost the council nearly £60 million, with funding to come from borrowing, the council's capital budget and developer contributions. The authority expects to receive a total of nearly £80 million over the project's 30-year life span.

Councillors are trying to come up with ways to boost income as its Government grant continues to be cut. Councillors are currently trying to work out how to slash £9 million from their 2015/16 spending plans.

Councillor Chris Turley told Wednesday's meeting that he welcomed the Woodlands plan.

"It is quite derelict looking land at the moment so I fully welcome it," he said.

Councillor Alan Mackenzie also voted to approve the application, praising the scheme.

He said: "It is difficult enough to get housing associations to build on brownfield sites that they do not think are the most appropriate.

"I think there are a lot of young people who will be very happy to know there will be another 100 rental homes on to the open market."

Planning officer Gareth Thomas, who recommended approval of the applications, said: "The programme presents an opportunity for regeneration within the borough and a means of providing high quality private rented accommodation.

"A number of benefits will accrue including providing opportunities to bring forward difficult sites that would be unattractive to the private sector, economic opportunities in relation to materials supplies and jobs during the construction period."