A major new housing development has been announced in Stechford, Birmingham, as part of efforts to address the West Midlands' deepening housing crisis.

Nearly 300 affordable homes, including 150 designated for social rent, will be constructed on the site of the former Yardley Sewage Works in Cole Hall Lane. The project is the result of a collaboration between Birmingham City Council, housing developer Morro Partnerships, housing association Midland Heart, Homes England, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), and the region’s elected Mayor.

The WMCA has committed £4.5 million to the scheme, with Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker announcing the investment during a visit to the site. The funding forms part of his pledge to launch the largest social housing programme the region has seen in decades.

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Birmingham City Council owns the land and has helped facilitate the deal. Additional funding from the council, Homes England, and the WMCA will be used to remediate the brownfield site in preparation for construction, which is scheduled to begin before the end of the year.

The development comes amid stark figures showing 7,148 households, comprising 14,229 children, are currently living in temporary accommodation across the West Midlands. There are more than 65,000 households on social housing waiting lists.

Cllr Jayne Francis, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homeless, said: "The national housing crisis means that we have several people on lists waiting for a home, the need for affordable homes has never been more urgent.

"Tackling this crisis is a key priority for this council, and this development demonstrates how we can do this by leading and working in partnership with others.

"We will continue discussions with developers and housing associations to facilitate deals that can provide our residents with warm, safe, and energy-efficient homes."