Draft Black Country Plan

Comment

Representation ID: 11482

Received: 04/10/2021

Respondent: Walsall Group of the Ramblers

Please see attached file

Comment

Representation ID: 46265

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Walsall Group of the Ramblers

Walsall Group of the Ramblers wish to make the following comments in the consultation phase of the Black Country Plan. (BCP).
[Our remarks focus on the perceived impact of the BCP on the Walsall Borough - other boroughs in the Black Country have similar Ramblers groups who may wish to comment with respect to their particular areas].
Introduction.
The recent pandemic has clearly illustrated how valuable open spaces are for the health, (physical and mental), of people everywhere. With the Black Country’s already identified lower rates of physical activity, higher rates of obesity, alcohol abuse, depression and social isolation, opportunities for exercise and outdoor outlook changes are vital as the population expands and issues relating to social support within the community are further increased.
Naturally enough we anticipate the erosion of green space that will occur as the Plan is implemented, especially in the strategic building areas bordering on the Green Belt, but look forward to observing the commitments in the Plan that not only aim to preserve trees, woodlands and hedgerows, but also to develop canal towpaths to enable links to other cycle and walking routes. We also look forward to the proposed changes that will lead to multi-functional green spaces and greenway systems. The use of Green Belt land for public open space, sport and recreation appears, to us, a good use of the asset - providing it is done with appropriate care. We welcome resources aimed at furthering the protection of the local natural environment, (SSSIs, etc), whilst also utilising funds to bring these areas nearer to the public, (sensitively), via an enhanced system of cycle and footpath routes.
Footpaths and Byways.
From the footpath perspective we see an opportunity to have footpaths in local boroughs planned/implemented in association with those who might use them. (We have seen enough paths ‘wedged’ into development plans that have proved to be not only unsuitable for users involved, but also prone to ASB and damage).
There is also the further possibility of an expansion of Black Country-wide footpaths - that were popular some years ago - linking boroughs, but which have declined more recently and need refurbishment/improvement, (e.g. The Beacon Way, The Wulfrun Way).
[Four years ago we re-labelled the Beacon Way from Sandwell Park Farm to Castle Ring on Cannock Chase, but lack of resources within Walsall Council has meant we have been unable to publicise this on a local web-site].
Our Concerns
We do however, have significant concerns that there are some of the areas of the Plan which may work to generate a negative effect on the Borough. Having such a considerable amount of open space in the east of the Walsall Borough, we cannot but feel it is inevitable that these areas will be impacted by future housing/employment demands in the Black Country, especially as more brownfield locations are occupied.
However, acceptance that this must be the case does not necessarily mean we are at all complacent about the revised National Planning Policy, nor are we unconcerned about the percentage of building land across the borough which is protected by Mineral Safeguarding Area, (MSA), restrictions.
Instinctively we feel that with some many houses planned in strategic areas, (3710), and also (515), in brownfield sites standing on MSA locations, that there will be an advancement of mineral extraction activities ahead of the building deadlines that not only have the potential to disrupt local existing footpaths for several years, but also indirectly impact on any proposed ones.
We also fear that the revised National Planning Policy will generate inappropriate building developments that whilst being contained within the confines of the Plan will generate areas of rapid urban decline/inaccessibility in the short-term thus further reducing available space to those wishing to actively travel in the borough.
Proposal.
As a Ramblers group committed to furthering the interests in walking for both health and social motives, [at the same time as supporting fully the Plan’s strategic policy 11- to protect the natural environment, wildlife corridors, countryside landscapes, etc including an interlinked green infrastructure protection/maintenance of the countryside], we would wish to see introduced a separate Black Country-wide Footpath Development Plan, that is clearly documented and approved.
We would see this running in parallel to the wider BCP timescales and fully accessible to all interested parties. On a positive note, however, we feel that as far as Public Rights of Way, (PROWs), are concerned the implementation of the BCP should be used as a means of expanding the footpath network in both Walsall and across the other boroughs of the Black Country.
Black Country-wide Footpath Development Plan, (BCFDP).
We seek a coordinated development of this network expansion between the BCP itself and reviewed/updated Rights of Way Improvement Plans, (ROWIPS), in all boroughs. We see this operating via a Black Country ROWIP, (created from individual borough ROWIPs), that is monitored via Local Access Forums, (LAFs), whose members are drawn from ROW user groups, (e.g. walkers, horse riders, cyclists, canal boat owners, etc).
As in the BCP itself, the current Walsall ROWIP places much emphasis on the maintenance and development of public open space and hence the ROWIP/BCFDP should work in parallel over the entire duration of BCP to ensure a long-term strategy for footpaths and adjoining spaces is produced and enacted.
(The Walsall ROWIP is already being prepared for an overdue review and we hope to have some input into that once more).
However, recent reductions in resource levels with ROW Teams throughout the Black Country suggests that currently this might be unattainable and that cost-saving will continue to dominate this area allowing an uncertain and likely unplanned development of leisure services in this section.
(Walsall Situation).
Ramblers volunteers in Walsall have worked closely with Walsall MBC Rights of Way team for some years to help keep footpaths and byways in order throughout the borough, but whilst being exceptionally grateful for their commitment, we are acutely aware of their limitations.
We are working closely with the ROW Team in Walsall Council, both in monitoring footpath situations and actively volunteering to help keep local routes open and viable. (This is particularly important in an urban area where paths are somewhat limited, but as a result our more rural footpaths are heavily used by the general population).
Our own LAF has been operating in ’background’ mode owing to pandemic restrictions, but we are seeking to reinstate it shortly. We see this function as a means of keeping abreast of the BCP’s progress whilst also permitting representation of implicated Council departments for discussion along the way.
Like many other areas of the Council, the ROW Team is under-resourced and consequently all project and proposals take a long time to move forward – especially since COVID restrictions.
[We are currently attempting a DMMO to formalise the route of Sutton’s Drive on the Great Barr Hall Estate, but progress is particularly slow further and exacerbated by delays incurred by continued remote working by the MBC].
In Conclusion.
Footpaths and opportunities to take exercise in the wider environment have already demonstrated their benefits and will continue to do so. We therefore need to understand the changes implied by the BCP to make sure that in future our ROWs are not only preserved, but wherever possible expanded and developed. These are assets which all community members within the Black Country have a right to understand and access whenever they wish.

Comment

Representation ID: 46266

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Walsall Group of the Ramblers

Walsall Group of the Ramblers wish to make the following comments in the consultation phase of the Black Country Plan. (BCP).
[Our remarks focus on the perceived impact of the BCP on the Walsall Borough - other boroughs in the Black Country have similar Ramblers groups who may wish to comment with respect to their particular areas].
Introduction.
The recent pandemic has clearly illustrated how valuable open spaces are for the health, (physical and mental), of people everywhere. With the Black Country’s already identified lower rates of physical activity, higher rates of obesity, alcohol abuse, depression and social isolation, opportunities for exercise and outdoor outlook changes are vital as the population expands and issues relating to social support within the community are further increased.
Naturally enough we anticipate the erosion of green space that will occur as the Plan is implemented, especially in the strategic building areas bordering on the Green Belt, but look forward to observing the commitments in the Plan that not only aim to preserve trees, woodlands and hedgerows, but also to develop canal towpaths to enable links to other cycle and walking routes. We also look forward to the proposed changes that will lead to multi-functional green spaces and greenway systems. The use of Green Belt land for public open space, sport and recreation appears, to us, a good use of the asset - providing it is done with appropriate care. We welcome resources aimed at furthering the protection of the local natural environment, (SSSIs, etc), whilst also utilising funds to bring these areas nearer to the public, (sensitively), via an enhanced system of cycle and footpath routes.
Footpaths and Byways.
From the footpath perspective we see an opportunity to have footpaths in local boroughs planned/implemented in association with those who might use them. (We have seen enough paths ‘wedged’ into development plans that have proved to be not only unsuitable for users involved, but also prone to ASB and damage).
There is also the further possibility of an expansion of Black Country-wide footpaths - that were popular some years ago - linking boroughs, but which have declined more recently and need refurbishment/improvement, (e.g. The Beacon Way, The Wulfrun Way).
[Four years ago we re-labelled the Beacon Way from Sandwell Park Farm to Castle Ring on Cannock Chase, but lack of resources within Walsall Council has meant we have been unable to publicise this on a local web-site].
Our Concerns
...
As a Ramblers group committed to furthering the interests in walking for both health and social motives, [at the same time as supporting fully the Plan’s strategic policy 11- to protect the natural environment, wildlife corridors, countryside landscapes, etc including an interlinked green infrastructure protection/maintenance of the countryside], we would wish to see introduced a separate Black Country-wide Footpath Development Plan, that is clearly documented and approved.
We would see this running in parallel to the wider BCP timescales and fully accessible to all interested parties. On a positive note, however, we feel that as far as Public Rights of Way, (PROWs), are concerned the implementation of the BCP should be used as a means of expanding the footpath network in both Walsall and across the other boroughs of the Black Country.
Black Country-wide Footpath Development Plan, (BCFDP).
We seek a coordinated development of this network expansion between the BCP itself and reviewed/updated Rights of Way Improvement Plans, (ROWIPS), in all boroughs. We see this operating via a Black Country ROWIP, (created from individual borough ROWIPs), that is monitored via Local Access Forums, (LAFs), whose members are drawn from ROW user groups, (e.g. walkers, horse riders, cyclists, canal boat owners, etc).
As in the BCP itself, the current Walsall ROWIP places much emphasis on the maintenance and development of public open space and hence the ROWIP/BCFDP should work in parallel over the entire duration of BCP to ensure a long-term strategy for footpaths and adjoining spaces is produced and enacted.
(The Walsall ROWIP is already being prepared for an overdue review and we hope to have some input into that once more).
However, recent reductions in resource levels with ROW Teams throughout the Black Country suggests that currently this might be unattainable and that cost-saving will continue to dominate this area allowing an uncertain and likely unplanned development of leisure services in this section.
(Walsall Situation).
Ramblers volunteers in Walsall have worked closely with Walsall MBC Rights of Way team for some years to help keep footpaths and byways in order throughout the borough, but whilst being exceptionally grateful for their commitment, we are acutely aware of their limitations.
We are working closely with the ROW Team in Walsall Council, both in monitoring footpath situations and actively volunteering to help keep local routes open and viable. (This is particularly important in an urban area where paths are somewhat limited, but as a result our more rural footpaths are heavily used by the general population).
Our own LAF has been operating in ’background’ mode owing to pandemic restrictions, but we are seeking to reinstate it shortly. We see this function as a means of keeping abreast of the BCP’s progress whilst also permitting representation of implicated Council departments for discussion along the way.
Like many other areas of the Council, the ROW Team is under-resourced and consequently all project and proposals take a long time to move forward – especially since COVID restrictions.
[We are currently attempting a DMMO to formalise the route of Sutton’s Drive on the Great Barr Hall Estate, but progress is particularly slow further and exacerbated by delays incurred by continued remote working by the MBC].
In Conclusion.
Footpaths and opportunities to take exercise in the wider environment have already demonstrated their benefits and will continue to do so. We therefore need to understand the changes implied by the BCP to make sure that in future our ROWs are not only preserved, but wherever possible expanded and developed. These are assets which all community members within the Black Country have a right to understand and access whenever they wish.

(See Rep ID 11482 for the original submission)

Comment

Representation ID: 46268

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Walsall Group of the Ramblers

Walsall Group of the Ramblers wish to make the following comments in the consultation phase of the Black Country Plan. (BCP).
[Our remarks focus on the perceived impact of the BCP on the Walsall Borough - other boroughs in the Black Country have similar Ramblers groups who may wish to comment with respect to their particular areas].
...
Our Concerns
We do however, have significant concerns that there are some of the areas of the Plan which may work to generate a negative effect on the Borough. Having such a considerable amount of open space in the east of the Walsall Borough, we cannot but feel it is inevitable that these areas will be impacted by future housing/employment demands in the Black Country, especially as more brownfield locations are occupied.
However, acceptance that this must be the case does not necessarily mean we are at all complacent about the revised National Planning Policy, nor are we unconcerned about the percentage of building land across the borough which is protected by Mineral Safeguarding Area, (MSA), restrictions.
Instinctively we feel that with some many houses planned in strategic areas, (3710), and also (515), in brownfield sites standing on MSA locations, that there will be an advancement of mineral extraction activities ahead of the building deadlines that not only have the potential to disrupt local existing footpaths for several years, but also indirectly impact on any proposed ones.
We also fear that the revised National Planning Policy will generate inappropriate building developments that whilst being contained within the confines of the Plan will generate areas of rapid urban decline/inaccessibility in the short-term thus further reducing available space to those wishing to actively travel in the borough.

(See Rep ID 11482 for the original submission)

Comment

Representation ID: 46269

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Walsall Group of the Ramblers

Walsall Group of the Ramblers wish to make the following comments in the consultation phase of the Black Country Plan. (BCP).
[Our remarks focus on the perceived impact of the BCP on the Walsall Borough - other boroughs in the Black Country have similar Ramblers groups who may wish to comment with respect to their particular areas].
Introduction.
The recent pandemic has clearly illustrated how valuable open spaces are for the health, (physical and mental), of people everywhere. With the Black Country’s already identified lower rates of physical activity, higher rates of obesity, alcohol abuse, depression and social isolation, opportunities for exercise and outdoor outlook changes are vital as the population expands and issues relating to social support within the community are further increased.
Naturally enough we anticipate the erosion of green space that will occur as the Plan is implemented, especially in the strategic building areas bordering on the Green Belt, but look forward to observing the commitments in the Plan that not only aim to preserve trees, woodlands and hedgerows, but also to develop canal towpaths to enable links to other cycle and walking routes. We also look forward to the proposed changes that will lead to multi-functional green spaces and greenway systems. The use of Green Belt land for public open space, sport and recreation appears, to us, a good use of the asset - providing it is done with appropriate care. We welcome resources aimed at furthering the protection of the local natural environment, (SSSIs, etc), whilst also utilising funds to bring these areas nearer to the public, (sensitively), via an enhanced system of cycle and footpath routes.
Footpaths and Byways.
From the footpath perspective we see an opportunity to have footpaths in local boroughs planned/implemented in association with those who might use them. (We have seen enough paths ‘wedged’ into development plans that have proved to be not only unsuitable for users involved, but also prone to ASB and damage).
There is also the further possibility of an expansion of Black Country-wide footpaths - that were popular some years ago - linking boroughs, but which have declined more recently and need refurbishment/improvement, (e.g. The Beacon Way, The Wulfrun Way).
[Four years ago we re-labelled the Beacon Way from Sandwell Park Farm to Castle Ring on Cannock Chase, but lack of resources within Walsall Council has meant we have been unable to publicise this on a local web-site].
Our Concerns
We do however, have significant concerns that there are some of the areas of the Plan which may work to generate a negative effect on the Borough. Having such a considerable amount of open space in the east of the Walsall Borough, we cannot but feel it is inevitable that these areas will be impacted by future housing/employment demands in the Black Country, especially as more brownfield locations are occupied.
However, acceptance that this must be the case does not necessarily mean we are at all complacent about the revised National Planning Policy, nor are we unconcerned about the percentage of building land across the borough which is protected by Mineral Safeguarding Area, (MSA), restrictions.
Instinctively we feel that with some many houses planned in strategic areas, (3710), and also (515), in brownfield sites standing on MSA locations, that there will be an advancement of mineral extraction activities ahead of the building deadlines that not only have the potential to disrupt local existing footpaths for several years, but also indirectly impact on any proposed ones.
We also fear that the revised National Planning Policy will generate inappropriate building developments that whilst being contained within the confines of the Plan will generate areas of rapid urban decline/inaccessibility in the short-term thus further reducing available space to those wishing to actively travel in the borough.
Proposal.
As a Ramblers group committed to furthering the interests in walking for both health and social motives, [at the same time as supporting fully the Plan’s strategic policy 11- to protect the natural environment, wildlife corridors, countryside landscapes, etc including an interlinked green infrastructure protection/maintenance of the countryside], we would wish to see introduced a separate Black Country-wide Footpath Development Plan, that is clearly documented and approved.
We would see this running in parallel to the wider BCP timescales and fully accessible to all interested parties. On a positive note, however, we feel that as far as Public Rights of Way, (PROWs), are concerned the implementation of the BCP should be used as a means of expanding the footpath network in both Walsall and across the other boroughs of the Black Country.
Black Country-wide Footpath Development Plan, (BCFDP).
We seek a coordinated development of this network expansion between the BCP itself and reviewed/updated Rights of Way Improvement Plans, (ROWIPS), in all boroughs. We see this operating via a Black Country ROWIP, (created from individual borough ROWIPs), that is monitored via Local Access Forums, (LAFs), whose members are drawn from ROW user groups, (e.g. walkers, horse riders, cyclists, canal boat owners, etc).
As in the BCP itself, the current Walsall ROWIP places much emphasis on the maintenance and development of public open space and hence the ROWIP/BCFDP should work in parallel over the entire duration of BCP to ensure a long-term strategy for footpaths and adjoining spaces is produced and enacted.
(The Walsall ROWIP is already being prepared for an overdue review and we hope to have some input into that once more).
However, recent reductions in resource levels with ROW Teams throughout the Black Country suggests that currently this might be unattainable and that cost-saving will continue to dominate this area allowing an uncertain and likely unplanned development of leisure services in this section.
(Walsall Situation).
Ramblers volunteers in Walsall have worked closely with Walsall MBC Rights of Way team for some years to help keep footpaths and byways in order throughout the borough, but whilst being exceptionally grateful for their commitment, we are acutely aware of their limitations.
We are working closely with the ROW Team in Walsall Council, both in monitoring footpath situations and actively volunteering to help keep local routes open and viable. (This is particularly important in an urban area where paths are somewhat limited, but as a result our more rural footpaths are heavily used by the general population).
Our own LAF has been operating in ’background’ mode owing to pandemic restrictions, but we are seeking to reinstate it shortly. We see this function as a means of keeping abreast of the BCP’s progress whilst also permitting representation of implicated Council departments for discussion along the way.
Like many other areas of the Council, the ROW Team is under-resourced and consequently all project and proposals take a long time to move forward – especially since COVID restrictions.
[We are currently attempting a DMMO to formalise the route of Sutton’s Drive on the Great Barr Hall Estate, but progress is particularly slow further and exacerbated by delays incurred by continued remote working by the MBC].
In Conclusion.
Footpaths and opportunities to take exercise in the wider environment have already demonstrated their benefits and will continue to do so. We therefore need to understand the changes implied by the BCP to make sure that in future our ROWs are not only preserved, but wherever possible expanded and developed. These are assets which all community members within the Black Country have a right to understand and access whenever they wish.

(See Rep ID 11482 for the original submission)