Object

Representation ID: 1143

Received: 08/09/2017

Respondent: Gallagher Estates

Agent: Barton Willmore

No. Whilst Gallagher Estates broadly agree with the key issues set out in Part 3 in the Issues and Options Consultation Document, it is also considered that the key issues should place further emphasis upon the need to deliver sufficient housing for the Black Country and the wider HMA, as well as to meet some of Birmingham's housing shortfall.

One of the key issues is that the current evidence base is out of date and does not provide a sound basis to underpin the Black Country Core Strategy Review. Accordingly, Gallagher Estates support a review and update of the evidence base.

The Issues and Options Consultation Document at Paragraph 3.61 notes that another key issue is the growing population and that 'there is a gap between the need and anticipated supply of around 22,000 homes and there is a need to look beyond the existing Growth Network to meet
it'. This key issue is supported and it is also agreed that a large number of homes and supporting services will need to be accommodated outside the existing urban area of the Black Country which is currently designated as Green Belt.

Accordingly another key issue is the Green Belt, and the Issues and Options Consultation Document acknowledges that there has not been a strategic Green Belt Review in the Black Country since the 1970s and that it is inevitable that Green Belt land will be needed to accommodate the long-term development needs.