Comment

Representation ID: 45895

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Transport for West Midlands

TfWM welcomes these key transport priority schemes, but these must be fully cross referenced with the CRSTS scheme allocations and BSIP schemes.

In terms of point 3 in policy TRAN1, we feel this needs to be reworded to state “Key transport corridors will be prioritised through the delivery of infrastructure to support active travel (walking, cycling), public transport improvements (including HS2 Connectivity Package measures).

Concerning the rail schemes under point 4B, Wolverhampton – Walsall – Willenhall - Aldridge rail link are two separate schemes, and so should be presented as two in the policy.

West Midlands Rail Executive in particular, feel the plan needs expanding upon further, capturing several additional rail projects, and the policy text should therefore be amended to the following:
i. Wolverhampton – Walsall service and new Willenhall & Darlaston stations
ii. New Aldridge station and service to Walsall/Birmingham
iii. Midlands Rail Hub
iv. Wolverhampton – Shrewsbury Line Improvements

Additional policies should also be included in TRAN1 (rail section) and these are outlined below with further
details provided in appendix A:
v. Rail line re-openings of Sutton Park Line and Walsall – Lichfield
vi. Future rail network capacity upgrades vii.Train maintenance and stabling depots

And while there is some uncertainty about the rail proposals as referenced above, this doesn’t mean the schemes shouldn’t appear with in the Black Country Plan.

The proposed Walsall – Aldridge rail service along the Sutton Park line to Sutton Coldfield is achievable within the plan period, and with track improvements and platform lengthening at Wolverhampton and an additional platform at Walsall station being explored, and potentially delivered by around 2035, the safeguarding of this land will be essential.