Object

Representation ID: 14781

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: Mr ANDREW BAILEY

General summative comments on the 'Black Country Plan' sent to us. As we a resident in Pelsall, Walsall comments are particularly relevant to that part of the Black Country.

My objection (I speak also for my wife who resides with me) is not a vociferous one in respect of this particular plan. I do realise that there is a need for homes, particularly those of an affordable type and that this will inevitably put pressure on land of all types, including, regrettably, 'green space'.

In terms of the green space available within the boroughs I accept that the percentage 'earmarked' for 'development' is quite small. However, I am concerned that this is the 'thin end of the wedge' and that it may not be long before the next plan for further 'development' to erode these green spaces is put forward, following pressure from central government, etc.

I also believe that although a proportion of the homes in a 'development' have to be of an 'affordable' type that this is quite a small percentage of the total. This adds to any suspicion that we may harbour that rather than plans such as this being in response to housing shortages the most important consideration in 'housing development' is support for the building industry, who would appear to be strong lobbyists who are usually pushing against an open-door.