People can ask questions and submit their written comments on a major plan for housing and employment land across Dudley borough at a series of drop-in sessions.

The Black Country Plan is currently out for consultation until next month. Council bosses in Dudley are keen to give Dudley borough residents “every opportunity” to have their say.

The plan aims to identify land for housing and employment purposes across the Black Country whilst continuing to protect green belt land from developers. Leaders in Dudley have made it clear that their intention is to use formerly developed ‘brownfield’ land first in order to protect greenbelt land.

A series of drop-in sessions with Dudley Council planners has been arranged at venues across the borough to give borough residents the chance to view consultation documents, ask questions and leave their completed comments forms with officers. Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said:

"We want to give borough residents every opportunity to have their say on this important plan. People have been commenting on the plan but these drop-in sessions give people another chance to get advice on the nature of the proposals so that they can make comments on how they see the future of housing and employment land.

"I must reiterate that this council’s stance has always been to use brownfield land first to protect our precious greenbelt land. It’s really important we hear what people have to say."

The first sessions takes place at Brierley Hill Library, High Street, on September 20, from 10am until 4pm. The following day people can visit Kingswinford Library, Market Street, from 10am-4pm. Stourbridge Library will be hosting a session on September 22 from 10am-4pm followed by Dudley Town Hall, St James’s Road, on September 27 from 10am-2pm.

There will be another session at Dudley Town Hall on September 28 from 3-7pm. The final drop-in session takes place at Halesowen Library, Queensway, on September 29 from 10am-4pm.

There is no need to book at any of the venues. People are encouraged to wear a mask when they attend and numbers inside the buildings will be limited to keep everyone safe.

The consultation runs from August 16 to October 11. People can find out more and complete the survey at blackcountryplan.dudley.gov.uk.