In a bid to chart the future of Walsall Borough, the council’s cabinet is set to consider an important proposal. The proposal entails inviting residents to participate in a “call for sites,” encouraging them to submit suggestions for potential development locations.
Continuing the Vision: Walsall Borough Local Plan
This initiative arises in the wake of the cessation of the Black Country Plan’s production in October 2022. Instead, Walsall Borough will forge ahead with the creation of the Walsall Borough Local Plan. This comprehensive plan will play a pivotal role in identifying sites to fulfill the borough’s burgeoning requirements for employment opportunities, housing, and green spaces. It will also emphasize the preservation of land for ecological purposes and the safeguarding of the historic environment.
Inclusivity in Planning
Under the proposed plan, the council is extending an open invitation to residents, businesses, and landowners to contribute their insights. They are encouraged to propose potential development sites and recommend areas, including open spaces, that should remain protected. Notably, the council is keen to hear about underutilised land, especially brownfield sites.
Consultation and Future Steps
All submissions will be taken into account during the formulation of the plan, with a formal consultation to be conducted at a later date. Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration at Walsall Council, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “A call for sites will give us an opportunity to hear the proposals of local people when writing the plan. We want people to put forward ideas, not just for land for houses or employment uses. We also want ideas for land for open space and other uses too. This is an opportunity to identify small pieces of vacant land. We welcome all ideas big or small. This might include potential land for green spaces, nature conservation enhancement, and other uses. I’d also urge anyone that submitted a proposal under the previous Black Country Plan to please re-submit it for this new plan.”
Mark Your Calendar
The call for sites is set to commence in January 2024. As part of this process, outreach efforts will target previous participants in the former Black Country Plan and extend to other landowners interested in offering their land for development.