Comment

Representation ID: 21225

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: The West Midlands Resource Technical Advisory Body

Duty to Cooperate
Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and the City of Wolverhampton comprise the four local authorities (Black Country Authorities (BCAs) that are jointly preparing the BCP and all four authorities of WMRTAB are members of WMRTAB. WMRTAB is pleased to note that these authorities are all active members of WMRTAB with an officer from each of the Councils regularly attending the group’s meeting and contributing to its work. WMRTAB has therefore facilitated discussion between the Black Country authorities and other neighbouring waste planning authorities to assist with meeting its Duty to Cooperate on matters pertaining to the planning for waste management within the Black Country area.

Page 306 of the Plan indicates that a document entitled ‘Black Country Plan - Duty to Co-operate: Waste and Minerals - Strategic Matters (2020)’ exists within the evidence base, however it has not been possible to find this document. Clearly such a document would be helpful in demonstrating how the Black Country authorities have met their Duty to Cooperate responsibilities associated with strategic waste planning. WMRTAB would be happy to consider this document and provide comments were it to be made available at a later date.