A total of 11 properties in Paradise and one on Prospect Row near Buffery Park have been earmarked for removal after they become vacant.
Residents have expressed concerns about cracks in the walls of the buildings and a structural engineer reported other problems including tree root systems close to the bungalows, poor ground conditions and the likelihood of past mineworkings under the site plus design faults.
Notes confirming the decision by Kathy Jones, Dudley director of housing and communities, said: “Remedial works would be intrusive and extensive to implement and due to the nature of the likely works would be protracted and as such costly.
“The remedial works would prolong the life of the properties somewhat however, these properties are circa 75-years-old and have reached the end of their intended design life and as such this may be cost prohibitive.”
An independent structural engineer deemed the buildings safe and habitable but recommended reviews every three months.
The bungalows have previously undergone maintenance, four years ago they had new roofs and some years ago the council spent around £60,000 on pilings for one of the buildings but cracks have now started to appear.
The council has decided to carry out a ‘strategic withdrawal’ from the bungalows, cease letting them, give current tenants a high priority for rehousing and demolish the homes when they become vacant.
The council is setting aside £100,000 to pay costs including home loss payments and disturbance payments for tenants.
The cost of demolition is expected to be around £150,000 but costs will be offset by the eventual sale of the land.
The decision notes said: “The demolition of the buildings and subsequent removal of construction waste materials from site and their disposal will be undertaken in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner with the recycling and reuse of materials wherever possible.”