THE last remaining remnants of a Rowley Regis high school are to be demolished to make way for ten new council houses.

Sandwell Council plans to tear down the two-storey teaching block at the former Britannia High School at the junction of Britannia Road and Greenwood Avenue.

The school was closed almost 20 years ago, back in 2002, after an 80-year existence, initially named Rowley Regis Secondary Modern Boys School.

Most of the school site was taken up by the new Blackheath Primary School but one of the blocks has remained dormant for some time.

The council plans to build eight two-bedroom semi-detached houses and two four-bedroom houses for affordable rent.

A council report has pointed out that the building of smaller two-bedroom houses would help with dealing with under-occupied houses across the borough.

Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, cabinet member for housing, said: "This is an excellent scheme because the population of Sandwell is growing and there is an ever-increasing demand for quality housing.

“There are a number of tenants who have requested a transfer to a smaller property in the Rowley Regis area and some of these would qualify for a two-bedroom house.

“This would free up the bigger homes for the many local families who are seeking larger accommodation.”

The proposal has been approved by Sandwell’s cabinet this week and detailed plans for the scheme are likely to be considered by the planning committee in the summer.