Plans lodged for major residential-led scheme

Plans have been submitted for a proposed residential-led scheme aiming to provide almost 400 homes and new commercial space in Smethwick.Metropolitan Holdings (Birmingham) Ltd is seeking to construct a building of between seven and 14 storeys to the north west of London Street.The site is presently occupied by a commercial vehicle hire/sales business.The development comprises 392 one- and two-bed apartments, along with approximately 5,900 sq ft of ground floor commercial space.It is anticipated that 354 car parking spaces would be provided, including 328 for residents and 28 for the occupiers of the commercial space.Plans have the potential to create about 40 to 50 jobs upon completion, as well roles during the construction phase.A statement filed with Sandwell Council on behalf of the applicant said: “There is an overriding need to boost the supply of housing as required by the NPPF, especially within a borough where an increase in the rate of housing delivery needs to be secured”An appropriate housing mix is provided through the development that will be attractive to new residents and help to provide a balanced residential mix when set alongside the new family dwellings being developed to the east of Cranford Street.”