Comment
Draft Black Country Plan
Representation ID: 16236
Received: 02/10/2021
Respondent: David Noot
The health and wellbeing of people affected by the future development of the Black Country and adjacent areas is my priority in commenting on the draft plan.
Consequently I believe the protection of green belt, urban open spaces, parkland, leisure and sports facilities, is vital. These are key resources in improving the health of people in the Black Country.
Given where I live, I think protection of all open space in and around the Halesowen area is my top priority. That includes Lapal, Illey, Uffmoor, Hayley Green, Lutley, Foxcote and Coombs Wood. Moreover I think any further new building development of land under the Hagley Hall Estate should be resisted.
I feel the same principle, of protecting open space, applies throughout the Black Country and into the immediate surrounding areas (in and adjacent to Wollaston, Wall Heath, Sedgley, for example).
Building enough homes for the future is also important but there is clear evidence that well planned redevelopment of existing underused building stock, and brownfield land, would meet future housing needs. Major reallocation of space, with redevelopment of property in former retail use buildings in and around town centres, is one example of the potential brownfield sites offer. There is no justification for sacrificing green space to build more housing in Dudley Borough.
More investment in promoting healthier, more environmentally friendly ways to travel, is important to me. Walking, cycling, greener public transport. Safer use of roads for pedestrians and cyclists is key.