AN affordable housing provider has been confirmed as the new owner of the former Victoria Sports Ground in Kidderminster.

Victoria Carpets sold the land off Spennells Valley Road to social housing company Stonewater on Wednesday (January 6) for £2m.

The Kidderminster flooring company says the site has not been used for more than 20 years.

The land, which is a mile away from Victoria's head office in Worcester Road, already has planning permission for housing.

Matthew Crucefix, assistant director at Stonewater, told The Shuttle: "Stonewater completed the purchase of the land from Victoria Carpets on February 6 and the site already has the benefit of planning permission to build 45 homes.

"We're seeking to deliver homes for both rent and shared ownership sale.

"Stonewater is aiming to submit a reserved matters application in coming months, which will include more details regarding the future of the site."

Stonewater manages around 32,000 homes in England for over 65,000 customers, including affordable properties for general rent, shared ownership and sale, and specialist accommodation such as retirement and supported living schemes for older and vulnerable people, young people’s foyers and women’s refuges.

A proposal submitted by Victoria in 2009 to build a hotel, pub and bowling facility on the site never came to fruition.

The site has lain idle since since the merger and relocation of Kidderminster Victoria Cricket Club to Chester Road in 2003.