Black Country Core Strategy Issue and Option Report

I want to place on record my strong objection to the use of greenbelt land for housing or industrial development as set out in your consultation document.
There is a strong argument that we have not maximised the use of brownfield sites, both locally in Halesowen & Rowley Regis, and as a wider Black Country region. A short drive around the Black Country would highlight acres of building opportunities on previously industrial land which can be brought back into use for future housing growth, or the reintroduction of industrial sites. Many of these sites would easily connect to existing transport networks and infrastructure, while protecting and maintaining our vitally important greenbelt.

Many local residents have already been very active in their campaigning to save our countryside, and I support their efforts wholeheartedly. I have been contacted by a high number of constituents who feel very passionately about this issue.

Our greenbelt is not just something that is a lUxury and nice to look at. It is an important part of our community's history and culture, but most significantly it provides an overwhelmingly positive contribution to our local environment. Whether it is for physical or mental wellbeing, combating air pollution or protecting local nature and wildlife - our greenbelt provides benefits that houses or industrial sites cannot.

In particular the historic importance of the area south of Halesowen, surrounding IIley and the Abbey ruins, is an area which has been improved for public and educational use. I have seen the submission presented by the Halesowen Abbey Trust which I fully endorse and hope you take seriously.

In relation to brownfield land, I believe that all four local authorities should redouble their efforts to work with each other, the Black Country LEP and the Combined Authority, to focus on developing proposals for bringing brownfield sites into development. I do not accept the argument, and seen no evidence to suggest, that there are exceptional circumstances for re-designating greenbelt boundaries, which the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) guidance sets out should be the case.

Rather than consulting on the future of greenbelt land, it would be more beneficial to concentrate the efforts of senior planners in composing plans for brownfield site redevelopment.

This would then enable them to set out detailed proposals on how to bring
these sites back into use.