Blackheath residents are set to benefit from a state-of-the-art library as impressive plans for the new green' building, estimated to cost £2.8m, have been rubberstamped and given the go-ahead by Sandwell Council.

The new innovatively designed library, which is due to be started within three years subject to approval of building regula-tions,will be located at the top of High Street, where currently the vacant social services building and four adjacent premises stand -including two thriving businesses.

The glass-fronted building, which is planned to be an architectural statement, will feature many green technologies to maintain low running costs including low energy lightbulbs, solar water heating, water recycling and wind turbines.

The ground floor library will boast a bigger selection of books and computers than the current Carnegie Road library, as well as having meeting rooms and private study areas.

The first and second floors of the building will house the offices of the Black Country Housing Group, which has been working in partnership with the council on the project.

Residents and traders have welcomed the new plans to bring the library back into the centre of the town, with many seeing it as a positive move for the town, which will entice more trade into Blackheath during its ongoing regeneration.

However the development is still being overshadowed by concerns Neville Gee's hair salon and the Salvation Army charity shop will have to be demolished and rehoused to make way for the new building.

Representatives from both businesses continue to argue how they have been kept out of the loop with developments for the library and claim they have only been able to gain information through newspapers.

Even now, with permission being granted by the council for the build, Neville Gee said he is still in the dark about what is happening to his premises.

He said: "I am still reading about things which are going to happen in the paper.

"I have had talks with Black Country Housing but there has been nothing in writing and nothing set in concrete.

"I will still be continuing to battle to save my business.

"I'm sticking up for myself, my employees and my clients."

However Blackheath Business and Community Association secretary Councillor Mary Docker said consultations have now been organised with all involved parties and the council were "looking to relocate the two businesses to Halesowen Street, where there are premises which have been derelict for a couple of years."

She said: "Through consultations we are managing to get them rehoused.

"Things are looking positive now."