Vision for the Black Country

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Comment

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 11158

Received: 24/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Richard Carter

Representation Summary:

When poverty in the UK is researched, what are considered to be the leading causes of poverty
are easy to identify. They include (source: https://cpag.org.uk/ accessed 16/01/2021):
Low paid, insecure jobs.
Unemployment and constantly having to cycle between periods of work and unemployment.
High costs and inadequate benefits.
However, what is often missed (and these factors help to feed the issues identified above) are the
underlying social, cultural and environmental factors that generate the negativity, dissatisfaction, disillusionment and despondency which contributes to society’s “why should I bother” attitude and which, subsequently, can also lead to self-imposed poverty, i.e. people get trapped in a rut of accepting “second best” and substandard conditions.

Comment

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 11164

Received: 24/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Richard Carter

Representation Summary:

To someone who has lived in this country for an extended period of time with their eyes firmly open, it is apparent that, particularly when it comes to central and local government, the UK suffers from:
An inability to apply common sense and to see the wood for the trees;
An unfortunate propensity towards knee-jerk reaction, ill-conceived policies, lack of coherent strategies, taking no action where action is obviously required and taking action for completely the wrong reasons;
Policies that appear to benefit the elite and the government rather than society as a whole.

The net result of this situation is that the UK now has a society that is rapidly deteriorating and becoming more and more dysfunctional, and filled with individuals who lack respect for themselves, others or for law and order, discipline and ambition and who, additionally, consider
themselves and those in their immediate circle as being far more important than the rest of society.

Although the Covid-19 pandemic has revealed a number of extremely positive traits, it has also
served to highlight the negativity that pervades society. For example, through:
Panic buying.
Not following social distancing guidelines.
Finding excuses for not wearing masks in shops and enclosed spaces (one member of a family could conceivably be exempt, but not an entire family).
Openly flouting lockdown measures.
Generally denying that the pandemic exists.
Worsening levels of already deplorable customer service

Comment

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 11172

Received: 24/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Richard Carter

Representation Summary:

When poverty in the UK is researched, what are considered to be the leading causes of poverty are easy to identify. They include (source: https://cpag.org.uk/ accessed 16/01/2021):
Low paid, insecure jobs.
Unemployment and constantly having to cycle between periods of work and unemployment.
High costs and inadequate benefits.
However, what is often missed (and these factors help to feed the issues identified above) are the underlying social, cultural and environmental factors that generate the negativity, dissatisfaction, disillusionment and despondency which contributes to society’s “why should I bother” attitude and which, subsequently, can also lead to self-imposed poverty, i.e. people get trapped in a rut of accepting “second best” and substandard conditions.
On the surface, many British people appear to be content with their lives, they are supportive of charities and they are willing to help when asked. Yet, beneath the surface they are constantly paddling against a tide of anger and frustration; an anger that quickly surfaces, swells and overruns a person when they are brought to task for parking right on the very corner of a busy road
junction, with the rear of their van partially blocking the main road and blocking the views of other
road users. Does that person apologise for not following the Highway Code? No! Their reaction is to chase after the person who “insulted” them, endanger other road users by swerving round pulling in front of the “culprit”, suddenly stopping dead, getting out of their vehicle and threatening physical violence.
In 2020, the United Nation’s “World Happiness Report” 2020 ranked the UK at number 13 out of 156 countries surveyed (Finland was ranked number 1) and ranked London at 36 with Helsinki taking the number 1 slot. This report analyses the results of the Gallop World Poll; which gathers feedback about a country’s Business & Economics, Citizen Engagement, Education & Families, Environment & Energy etc performance, and links this information with six other factors: levels of GDP, life expectancy, generosity, social support, freedom and corruption income.
Although the report provides an indicator of the level of happiness in the UK (the Gallop World Poll surveys approximately 12,900 people or approximately 0.02 of the current population), it may not be truly indicative of the population’s feelings as a whole; particularly if those people are totally unaware of alternative ways of life.
So what could improve the UK’s ranking in the report and peoples’ attitudes?
The primary answer to that question is to implement sustainable changes and systems that will have a positive effect on everyone’s daily life and attitude, and that will result in greater efficiencies and substantial cost savings at national and local government level. I short, implement changes that will make everyone’s life easier.

Comment

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 11484

Received: 04/10/2021

Respondent: Woodsetton Charitable Trust

Representation Summary:

The Woodsetton Trust supports the Draft Plan,s Vision for the Black Country subject to the following provisos
1.The Vision is too inward looking.It does not set the Black Country in its Regional context.This means it is not posssible to relate the proposals to what is happening only a few miles from the boundary.
For example the development of Wombourne in South Staffs has major implications for housing ,transport and the Woodsetton environment

Comment

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 11727

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Greg Ball

Representation Summary:

Include 'resilient'. The last two years have exposed the UK's vulnerability to unexpected challenges to our environment, economy, lifestyles, health and well-being: challenges include, Covid, gas and electricity supply, extreme and erratic weather, transport of goods and most recently vehicle fuel. Worryingly, an individual challenge to one system can knock onto other systems. Strength in one direction can turn into weakness, when faced with a challenge from another quarter. Diversity is often viewed in purely social terms, but its benefits apply into economic planning and environmental design.

Comment

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 15920

Received: 25/09/2021

Respondent: Wall Heath as One

Representation Summary:

Each link of chain that was heated, hammered and moulded by our Black Country forebears formed a unique but integral part of an enduring whole. This interlock was strong and the forged bonds and links still remain today in the play of our hamlets, villages and towns, we are the brood of Mother Dudley. We cling to our notions of independence and the individuality of our own home towns. We take pride in the flavours, colours, trades and melodies that identify our part within this whole... And Mother Dudley looks on, patiently, reminding us that a link of chain is nothing alone. We are individuals, she is proud, yet we are linked as one in her wide and welcoming lap. Do not meld and merge us, that is a mother's role.

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17518

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Sport England

Representation Summary:

The vision as drafted "Creating a prosperous, stronger and sustainable Black Country" is a missed opportunity to make direct reference to creating a healthier and more active Black Country to tie in with the above challenges more directly.

Comment

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 18501

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country

Representation Summary:

2.3
Comment: It is WTBBC’s view that the Vision for the Black Country ‘Creating a prosperous, stronger and sustainable Black Country’ could equally apply to the aspirations of any place at any given time. A more localised, unique and ambitious vision should be given which sets the Black Country apart and more directly responds to What is driving the Vision for the Black Country? (2.1).
Comment: WTBBC advocates for a vision that puts the natural world at the centre of decision making and a green transformation of the Black Country. The Black Country landscape should meet the needs of all those who live, work in or visit the area by delivering a prosperous and healthy environment that provides the livelihoods, homes and lifestyles they aspire to.

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 20970

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Dr Baljit Bhandal

Agent: Harris Lamb

Representation Summary:

Vision for the Black Country
This is succinct and to the point, which is welcomed.

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 21286

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Owl Homes

Agent: Barton Willmore

Representation Summary:

Section 2 – The Vision and Objectives
Section 2 provides the spatial vision, strategic objectives and strategic priorities for the Black Country up to 2039. These are supported by Owl Homes, with particular reference to the objective of providing housing that meets all needs, which the development of the Site can assist in delivering.
Strategic Priority 3: “to provide a range and choice of accommodation, house types and tenures to meet the needs of current and future residents” and Strategic Priority 4: “to improve and diversify the Black Country housing offer” are considered to be of specific relevance. In line with these priorities, the proposed development would provide a mixture of dwelling types / tenures, to suit a variety of needs. The current Concept Layout includes 32 dwellings, 7 of which would be affordable. A mixture of detached, semi-detached, terraced, and terraced properties as well as maisonettes and flats are shown.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 21319

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: J Holt & Sons

Agent: Spawforths

Representation Summary:

The Vision is written in a positive way however, consistent with the provisions of the 2021 Framework (paragraph 22) we consider there is a need to update the Vision and Objectives to provide a longer term vision (up to 30 years) for the Black Country. This needs to reflect the scale of housing need, economic ambition, infrastructure improvements and investment opportunities. It should provide a longer term framework for meeting the needs of the Black Country, including the strategy for meeting those needs outside the Black Country Authorities boundaries. In this context it needs to fully explore opportunities outside of the Green Belt prior promoting Green Belt release which would fundamentally affect the permanence of Green Belt boundaries in the long term. This approach should be reflected on the Key Diagram.

Comment

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 22183

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Druids Heath Golf Club

Agent: Harris Lamb

Representation Summary:

This Vision is succinct and to the point, which is welcomed. We are, however, concerned that whilst the Vision for the Plan is to create a strong and sustainable Black Country the policies within the Plan will not achieve this objective, as detailed below. [see the other Representations that form part of this Submission]

Comment

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 22240

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Steve Crutchley

Representation Summary:

Vision for the Black Country

This Vision is succinct and to the point, which is welcomed. We are, however, concerned that whilst the Vision for the Plan is to create a strong and sustainable Black Country the policies within the Plan will not achieve this objective, as detailed below.

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 22263

Received: 21/01/2022

Respondent: Miss Jodi Stokes

Representation Summary:

2.0 THE VISION, STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Vision for the Black Country

2.1 We agree that the Vision for Black Country is positive and reflects the wider ambitions and goals of the Black Country Authorities and their partners, and that along with the policies in the Black Country Plan, the vision will enable these Authorities to guide investment and development by 2039.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 22367

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: ROSCONN STRATEGIC LAND

Representation Summary:

Vision for the Black Country
Paragraph 1.43 of the BCP identifies a series of key strategic challenges and objectives that have arisen since 2011 which the Plan Strategy, objectives and suite of policies and proposals seek to address. Paragraph 2.1 then continues by stating that ‘The Vision’ reflects what the Black Country will be like in the future if the needs and aspirations of those who live, work in or visit the area are to be met, whilst also ensuring that it retains the characteristics that make it attractive and distinctive. It also states that the Vision needs to be flexible, to allow authorities to respond to future challenges in a way that is right for the Black Country, its residents and businesses. Paragraph 2.2 then states that The Vision has been written in the context of national, regional and local policy frameworks.

Notwithstanding the broad range of challenges and objectives identified which the BCP needs to address over the Plan period, RSL consider the Vision itself to be far too brief and simplistic, and would benefit from greater elaboration to be more relevant to the uniqueness of the Black Country, thereby helping to frame a clearer vision of how the Plan area will have evolved and been shaped by 2039.

Comment

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 23142

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark Partnership

Agent: Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark Partnership

Representation Summary:

We welcome that climate change is given high priority (Strategic Priority 1 & 2 within table 1). We would suggest that the emerging visitor economy and/or Geopark could be included in policy references in Table 1 under Strategic Priority 8 for ‘Enabling a strong, stable and inclusive economy’.

We support Strategic objectives 11 and 12 relating to natural and cultural environment and support Strategic Priorities13,14 & 15 relaying to sustainable resource provision and infrastructure.

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 23211

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Heyfield Development

Agent: Harris Lamb

Representation Summary:

Vision for the Black Country

This is succinct and to the point, which is welcomed.

Comment

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 23287

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Redrow Homes Ltd

Agent: Harris Lamb

Representation Summary:

Vision for the Black Country

This Vision is succinct and to the point, which is welcomed. We are, however, concerned that whilst the Vision for the Plan is to create a strong and sustainable Black Country the policies within the Plan will not achieve this objective, as detailed below.

Objectives and Strategic Priorities

We welcome the inclusion of ‘Housing that meets all our needs’ as a Strategic Priority. In order for this priority to be met it is imperative that the housing delivery strategy within the emerging Plan is robust and based on an appropriate evidence base. However, as detailed in our response to Policies CSP1 and HOU1 below, we are concerned that the housing requirement in the Plan is insufficient to meet the Black Country’s growth requirements. In addition, the sources of housing supply that have been identified will not deliver the quantum of housing that is suggested.

Comment

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 43829

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Philip Stevens

Representation Summary:

Draft Black Country Plan 2018-39 Consultation 2021
Policy ENV4

We support Dudley Council in their policy of only building on brownfield sites, and their continuing support for the protection of Green Belt around Halesowen. I know that councilors have given support to our walking and conservation groups and made contributions towards the upkeep of our local heritage and historical sites.
We know that our local Green Belt and surrounding countryside including the Woodland Trust and National Trust with land owned by the Hagley Hall Estate is attracting visitors from afar.
Please continue to only build on brownfield sites and amend business and retail premises to conversion into residential as you seem to have done recently.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 43851

Received: 05/10/2021

Respondent: Taylor Wimpey

Agent: Pegasus

Representation Summary:

3.0 VISION AND SPATIAL STRATEGY
3.1 The Plan identifies key strategic challenges in paragraph 1.43. These include the following:
· Providing good quality housing that meets the need of a growing population – the plan needs to identify sufficient land for housing to meet the needs of people who likely to live in the area for the period of the plan;
· Supporting a resurgent economy, which provides access to employment and opportunities for investment – the plan should provide for a range of employment sites capable of meeting a wide variety of investment needs; and
· Reviewing the role and extent of the Green Belt – evidence suggests there will be significant housing and employment needs and a deficit in the brownfield land supply within the Black Country, which has resulted in the need for an assessment of the Green Belt to help identify potential areas for growth.
3.2 Taylor Wimpey supports the recognition of the need to provide good quality housing and the need to provide sufficient housing land. Taylor Wimpey also supports the apparent recognition that the Plan should meet the needs of not only those who currently live in the Black Country Area, but also of those who wish to reside within the area during the course of the Plan period.
3.3 There is recognition elsewhere within the Plan that there is insufficient brownfield land to accommodate housing needs and therefore Green Belt land will be required to be released to meet this need, both within the Black Country area and also within South Staffordshire District. However, this is not referenced within the Spatial Strategy. This would ensure that the overall approach to Green Belt release is enshrined within the Plan and ensure a consistent theme is established throughout.
3.4 Providing a range of sites in former Green Belt locations will deliver a greater variety in housing, compared to relying solely upon the redevelopment of brownfield land, which is unlikely to satisfy the wider needs of Black Country communities, particularly for aspirational housing.
3.5 The above also is consistent with the overarching vision for the Black Country to deliver a prosperous, stronger and sustainable Black County. It also reflects Strategic Priority 3 which seeks to provide a range and choice of accommodation, house types and tenures for new housing and Strategic Priority 4 which aims to improve and diversify the Black Country housing offer.
3.6 The release of Green Belt land also fundamentally underpins key sustainability objectives of minimising travel and providing new homes in locations which have access to a range of facilities and employment opportunities. By providing a broad range of new housing sites, which is not just focused on the redevelopment of previously developed industrial land, will assist in ensuring that all current residents can find accommodation to meet their needs within the Black Country, rather than residents looking to relocate further afield, leading to increased commuting.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 43908

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: Barratt West Midlands

Agent: Turley Associates

Representation Summary:

3.2 Barratt supports the overall Vision for the Black Country and its central aim of
“...creating a prosperous, stronger and sustainable Black Country”, in particular it needs to be flexible to allow the authorities to respond to future challenges. In achieving this the strategic priorities however need some further consideration.
3.3 As we explore further in these representations, the remaining unmet need for the
Black Country will be a significant issue. Strategic Priority 3 under the ‘housing that meets all our needs’ objective should therefore place greater emphasis on this matter and that all options will be explored to ensure the Black Country’s needs are met in full. We discuss the policies relevant to the strategic priority further below in terms of draft policies HOU1 and HOU2.
3.4 We note that Strategic Priority 7 under the ‘enabling a strong, stable and inclusive
economy’ objective seeks to provide a balanced portfolio of employment sites, as well to protect and enhance existing sustainable employment areas. It must be reflected on as to whether the plan’s current strategy of proposing to allocate active employment sites for new homes and a lack of policy protection for employment sites being lost to other uses would deliver this strategic priority, which we discuss further below in terms of draft policies HOU1 and DEL2.
3.5 We welcome Strategic Priority 15 under the ‘meeting our resource and infrastructure
needs’ objective as it seeks to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place to support its existing and future growth. Barratt’s site is capable of delivering significant public open space (including a new woodland park, and new pedestrian and cycle routes) to meet the needs of existing and new residents.

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 43926

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: IM Land

Agent: Turley Assocs

Representation Summary:

Vision for the Black Country and objectives
3.2 IM Land support the overall Vision for the Black Country and its central aim of
“…creating a prosperous, stronger and sustainable Black Country”, which needs to be
flexible to allow the authorities to respond to future challenges. In achieving this the
strategic priorities however need some further consideration.

3.3 As we explore further in these representations, the remaining unmet need for the
Black Country could be a significant issue. Strategic Priority 3 under the ‘housing that
meets all our needs’ objective should therefore place greater emphasis on this matter
and that all options will be explored to ensure the Black Country’s needs are met in full.
We discuss the policies relevant to the strategic priority further below in terms of draft
policies HOU1 and HOU2.
3.4 We note that Strategic Priority 7 under the ‘enabling a strong, stable and inclusive
economy’ objective seeks to provide a balanced portfolio of employment sites, as well
to protect and enhance existing sustainable employment areas. It must be reflected on
as to whether the plan’s current strategy of proposing to allocate active employment
sites for new homes and a lack of policy protection for employment sites being lost to
other uses would deliver this strategic priority, which we discuss further below in terms
of draft policies HOU1 and DEL2.
3.5 We welcome Strategic Priority 15 under the ‘meeting our resource and infrastructure
needs’ objective as it seeks to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place to support
its existing and future growth. However, at this stage of the BCP preparation, the
Evidence Base which underpins the emerging BCP is incomplete. This needs to be
updated to inform any infrastructure identified for proposed allocations.