Comment

Representation ID: 21476

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Charles Church Homes

Agent: Claremont Planning Consultancy

Policy CSP2 – The Strategic Centres and Core Regeneration Areas

2.6. This Policy identifies that the primary focus for regeneration and infrastructure will be the Growth network, which consists of the ‘Strategic Centres’ and the ‘Core Regeneration Areas’. The policy establishes that 11,208 new homes will be delivered within the Core Regeneration Areas, ‘in sustainable locations well-supported by community services and local shops, set within and linked by comprehensive networks of attractive green infrastructure with cycling and pedestrian routes’.

2.7. This policy is supported, however in light of the housing shortfall identified in respect of Policy CSP1, it is considered that the Council should be seeking to increase the amount of housing to be delivered in both the Strategic Centres and Core Regeneration Areas. This in particular should include identifying all opportunities for residential development within the urban area, recognising that such locations are typically the most sustainable.

2.8. It is considered that this should include identification of land at Corbett Hospital, as promoted by Charles Church Homes and The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, as the site lies within one of the Core Regeneration Areas. It provides an opportunity to deliver high quality residential development within the urban area, in close proximity to existing services and facilities. By utilising sustainably located sites such as this, it would be possible for greater numbers of housing to be delivered within the Growth Network identified by the Plan, and for the Plan overall to be more able to meet its housing needs.

2.9. As such, it is considered that Policy CSP2 should be reviewed once the Council has fully taken into consideration all available sites, including land at Corbett Hospital, and propose that greater numbers of housing are delivered through these defined areas.