Comment

Representation ID: 23359

Received: 30/09/2021

Respondent: Seven Homes

Agent: RCA Regeneration Ltd

Sandyfields, Sedgley
This is a representation to the Regulation 18 Draft Black Country Plan which is subject to
consultation until 11 October 2021. It is made on behalf of Seven Homes.
1.2. This document is submitted alongside a Vision Document for land at Sandyfields Road, Sedgley,
which largely falls within South Staffordshire with a very small area falling into Dudley Borough.
1.3. The Vision Document explains the background work that has been undertaken and how the site
constraints and characteristics have influenced a framework masterplan, which Seven Homes
would like both Dudley and South Staffordshire Councils to consider. Similar representations will
be made to the South Staffordshire Preferred Options plan, where consultation is due to begin in
the coming weeks.
1.4. The following document covers a number of policies and paragraphs in the plan which are
considered to be relevant to Seven Homes and/or the site they are promoting. Seven Homes
reserve the right make further representations in due course. It should be noted that not
commenting on an aspect of the emerging plan does not mean they agree with that content.

We consider that Dudley and South Staffordshire councils should work more closely together to
deliver growth along the western boundary of Dudley – as is the case with the boundary with
South Staffordshire and its shared boundary with Wolverhampton. We consider there is a real
risk of a missed opportunity to make the most of the linkages to existing services and facilities in
areas such as Sedgley. Paragraph 24 of the NPPF sets out clearly that councils have a duty to
cooperate over strategic matters including housing and infrastructure delivery.

We consider that there is a strong case to include the land at Sandyfields Road, Sedgley as a
residential allocation within the emerging Dudley and South Staffordshire Local Plans because
much of the site offers only a very limited contribution to the role and function of the Green Belt.
The site is visually well related to the edge of Sedgley and the site is sustainably located for the
purposes of accessing employment in Pensnett, Brierley Hill, Dudley and Wombourne, as well as
being close to local schools, shops, sporting facilities and other services.
4.2. We have produced a Vision Document (shown in attachment) which sets out how the site could deliver housing with significant benefits for the wider community in a sustainable way.
4.3. The site offers significant opportunities to add new open spaces for future and existing residents,
where access to the land is currently limited to a small number of public rights of way. We urge
the council to consider the site for allocation, to deal with some of the unmet need within Dudley
Borough.