Sandwell Council has given the go-ahead for 41 sustainable modular homes to be built on the former Atlas Metals site in Smethwick.

The houses by Mar City Homes Ltd are to be developed in Cranford Street.

The council is buying 19 two-bedroom, 18 three-bedroom and four four-bedroom properties with the reminder of the homes being sold by the developer on the open market.

The properties are being built using a modular construction system, which means they are made indoors in factory conditions and then transported and assembled on permanent foundations on site.

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This means they can be built quicker than the traditional 'wet' build system, producing new homes in weeks instead of months.

Made from the same high-quality, enduring materials as regular houses, they should not be confused with mobile or pre-fabricated homes. They are also more affordable, energy efficient and generate virtually zero-waste on site.

Initial work to clear the site and prepare for the start of the build is already underway with the council homes expected to be completed in summer 2015 when they will be added to Sandwell's housing stock and be available for rent to council tenants.

(CD/MH)