MULTI-million plans for the regeneration of the North Priory estate have taken a "major step forward" after a housing firm has been installed.

The ambitious project will see 270 homes bulldozed to make way for 329 homes including two-bed bungalows, and two, three and four bedroom properties.

These houses would be divided up into 60 per cent available for private sale, 35 per cent social rented and five per cent for private sale.

Now Midlands-based building firm Bromford Housing Association have been chosen as the preferred bidder for the project and will work alongside Haslam Homes, Dudley Council and a host of other partners.

Estate residents will also be urged to voice their views over the design proposals and how it is to be run in the future.

Demolition of the current homes will happen next year with estate residents having already been moved to alternative accomodation.

Building on the new-look estate taking place in 2012.

The move was set to be mulled over by Dudley Council's cabinet members at last night's meeting (held on Wednesday February 13).

Councillor Michael Evans, cabinet member for housing, said: "Securing a registered social landlord to work with us is a major step forward in the redevelopment of North Priory.

"By working with Bromford Housing Group we will achieve our aim of delivering quality homes to residents.

"In the next six months, the council will work closely with Bromford to firm up proposals as we can press ahead with these exciting plans to regenerate the area."

Helen Collins, executive director for Bromford, said: "We are really excited to have been selected to deliver this major regeneration project in Dudley.

"We are looking forward to working with our partners, Dudley Council and creating a range of new affordable homes for local residents."