Comment

Representation ID: 23148

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark Partnership

Agent: Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark Partnership

Whilst this section is inevitably strongly biased towards growing population driving target numbers of new homes and improved design/refurbishment of homes etc, we feel it is important to also emphasize quality, connectivity to landscape, natural and cultural heritage and environment here too within the plan. Such things offer considerable added value to such developments and In the context of the Geopark, new development often offer potential benefits for the connection of residents to the special features of their local area, the encouragement of healthier and happier lifestyles and the enhancement and maintenance of greenspaces and local distinctive features of their surrounding landscapes. The proximity of educational greenspace in connection with residential areas with schools and colleges is also understated in the plan at present. Connectivity to walking and cycling routes is alluded to in paragraph 6.16 and in policy HOU5 but wider connectivity to the landscape around by cross referencing with ENV policies would be a very useful addition to this section.