Draft Black Country Plan

Comment

Representation ID: 10943

Received: 07/09/2021

Respondent: Parliament

Ref: Page 374, Table 14 - Dudley Housing Allocations in the Black Country Plan (BCP Policy HOU1). DUH210, Viewfield Crescent.

Points to consider:
Designated Green Belt, a designated Site of Local Importance to Nature Conservation (SLINCs) and within a Landscape Heritage Area and falls within a designated Wildlife Consultation Area.

The site remains highly sensitive given the above designations. The Public Local Inquiry Inspectors Report (Jan 2004) fully supports the above designations.

As result of these designations the Black Country Core Strategy absolutely limits development of these types of sites (ENV1 Nature Conservation and ENV2 Historic Character and Local Distinctiveness). In addition, local biodiversity action plans much not be harmed by development, which this proposal contravenes and would not be in keeping with safeguarding nature conservation.

This would contravene the fundamental aim of Government Green Belt policy, which is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open (several public rights of way cross the land). Local planning authorities should plan positively to enhance Green Belt use, such as looking for opportunities to provide access; retain and enhance landscapes, visual amenity and biodiversity.

The consultation ends at 5pm on Monday 11th October 2021