215,000 new homes to be built in region after £350m pledge

CHANCELLOR Philip Hammond has given the West Midlands a cash handout to help build 215,000 homes over the next decade.

The deals, expected to total £350 million, will kickstart a wide range of housing projects across the region – including the 1,000 home Commonwealth Games athletes village at Perry Barr.

And former industrial sites in the Black Country will also be decontaminated and cleared ready for new development, including land on the Walsall to Wolverhampton rail corridor.

The announcement was made by the Chancellor in his Spring Statement which revealed the Government’s finances are in relatively good shape despite gloomy growth projections.

Investment in construction is one way for the Government to give the economy a boost.

Chancellor said he is backing ambitious regions and councils which agree to deliver housing over and above their local need.

He said: “We have today agreed a deal with the West Midlands who have committed to deliver 215,000 home by 2030/1 facilitated by a £100 million grant from the land remediation fund.”

Mr Hammond added that housing secretary Sajid Javid will reveal further grants from the Government’s massive housing infrastructure fund.

This is likely to include a £250 million grant for the West Midlands key housing growth areas – to again to prepare brownfield sites for new housing.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: “Fantastic news that the Chancellor has signed off our housing deal and announced it in the Spring Statement. This £350 million will be focused on remediation of brownfield sites and see 215,000 homes built by 2030.

“As the centre of the UK’s economic growth, housing has been one of the key priorities for the West Midlands. Therefore the Housing Deal, announced today by Government, is a huge milestone for the West Midlands.

“Everybody acknowledges the housing challenges we face in this country. We have been clear with Government that here in the West Midlands we are a key part of the solution.”

Of this £143 million will be used to fund the regeneration of Perry Barr – including the athletes village which will provide social housing after the 2022 games.

Work on that development is due to start with demolition of the old Birmingham City University campus this summer.

Other sites seeking funding included the Greater Ickneild scheme in Ladywood – where 3,500 homes are planned along with a school – and money for new housing on the Bromford Estate, Yardley Sewerage Works, Acocks Green and Druids Heath.

The West Midlands Combined Authority will team up with the Homes England agency as well as developers and social landlords to ensure houses are built at pace.

Last month fears were raised that the Government had focused earlier funding on green fields in the south of England.

This £350 million will be focused on remediation of brownfield sites Mayor Andy Street