DISUSED garage sites are set to be transformed into more than 150 affordable new homes after Dudley Council secured its first framework contact.

It is the first time the council has signed such a deal – initially worth about £18 million – which will form part of the planned 350 homes being built by the council over the next four years.

Cannock-based Jessup Brothers successfully bid for the contract which will involve the building of about 150 new homes, installed on small blocks of garages across the borough, which will be retained for use as properties for council tenants.

As part of the agreement, the contractor will provide apprenticeships or jobs for the long-term unemployed over the four-year period, with the council claiming it will save thousands of pounds in tendering costs.

Councillor Gaye Partridge, cabinet member for housing, said: “This framework system of tendering means the council can save money in the long-term as we do not have to continually advertise and pay administration costs for individual smaller scales projects.

“Working with one contractor over numerous projects will allow benefits to be passed down through the building supply chain, including creating opportunities for local sub-contractors and suppliers.

“The added bonus of knowing that people will be able to find work as part of this scheme is a significant attraction for us as a community council.”

The first three sites to be identified are in Ketley Hill Road, Dudley, Lea Bank Road, Netherton and Marley Road, Kingswinford.

Clive Jessup, managing director of Jessup Brothers, said: “Jessup are delighted to have been chosen by Dudley for this important framework.

“We are keen to be able to bring our expertise in regenerating disused garage sites into attractive small developments for the benefit of the local community, whilst supporting our local supply chain and continuing our apprenticeship programme."

Consultation events, taking place between 3pm and 7pm, have been arranged for residents and interested people to view plans and ask questions.

For the Ketley Hill Road development, the consultation will take place on January 6 at Barnabus Church, in Middlepark Road, Lea Bank Road’s consultation will be on January 13, at Dudley Wood Learning Centre, in Pavilion Gardens, while the consultation for Marley Road will be on January 20 at The Dingle Community Centre, in Dingle Road.