Comment

Representation ID: 17431

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)

We would like to see a reference to sustainable development of industrial and the mention of the Repowering the Black Country project, which is one of 7 areas selected across the Country for decarbonisation. In respect of the Black Country 10 sites have currently been identified in the Black Country, at least one in each borough. for zero carbon hub status, whereby complimentary businesses relocate and can share their energy needs. It would be good to include this initiative in the Plan, so that after the initial funding ceases the ambition is hard wired into the region for future commercial developments and repurposing existing developments.

We welcome the reference to the Black Country Garden City but would like to see a greater focus particularly in consideration of the green industrial revolution, low carbon housing, aspect of retrofitting and the sub regions natural assets such as UNESCO Geopark.

For residents and businesses we welcome the greening and provision of a quality environment –we are currently undertaking a tree survey to map the "green canopy" across the region and in future developments (and retrofitting) of both employment and housing land the requirements for tree planting and sustainable building techniques should be incorporated and consideration be given to more sustainable transport i.e., buses, trains, walking and cycling routes.