Comment

Representation ID: 17432

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)

In respect of the employment land approach, we welcome: -
1. The 100 plus sites covering 280ha specifically allocated for new industrial and logistics activities across the BC to meet a variety of needs.
2. The EZ projects around M54, Darlaston and Brierley Hill being promoted and would encourage the plan to include other sites for future development, i.e., Sandwell borough.
3 Welcome that the Plan protects the vast majority of our 3,000ha of existing employment areas from redevelopment to provide certainty for businesses.

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.