Comment

Representation ID: 22630

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: National Highways

Meeting the Employment Need
The plan brings forward 281ha of employment site development at a number of locations
where their impacts upon the SRN are in proximity to junctions and corridors which are
currently at or exceeding capacity.
An additional aspiration of 71ha of employment land is committed to within the BLP, which
will be brought forward on other sites throughout the Black Country, mainly through the
redevelopment, intensification and enhancement of existing employment areas and
premises. Furthermore, a further 210ha of employment land is to be delivered by
neighbouring authorities. Similar to the shortfall in housing provision, the reallocation or
intensification of employment land and its distribution around the west midlands will be
crucial in the forecasting and assessment of transport impacts on the SRN.
However, based on our review National Highways are unable to conclude if this quantum
of employment land is acceptable. We therefore request the provision of the transport
evidence base, strategic transport assessment and any supporting modelling to be
provided. This will enable us to undertake a full and robust assessment of the proposals
and understand the impact on the safe and efficient operation of the SRN.