COUNCIL chiefs have vowed to use all means necessary to secure the future of a new housing development in Colley Gate.

Planning permission was granted last month for eight apartments on a site occupied by four derelict shops on the corner of Colley Gate and Colley Lane.

The apartments would be built by Dudley Council and provide affordable housing to people on the council’s housing waiting list.

The council currently owns 128 Colley Lane and is in the process of acquiring the remaining three.

The council continues to pursue negotiations with the landowner but bosses have said compulsory purchase order powers will be used if necessary to acquire the properties and get the development moving.

Helen Martin, Dudley Council's director of regeneration and enterprise, said: "We will pursue the purchase of the properties, whether that’s through an agreed deal with the landowner or a compulsory purchase order to make this development a reality."