There’s less than two weeks left for people to have their say for a planning blueprint on the future for the Black Country.

New homes and businesses, transport and green spaces all form part of the Black Country Core Strategy, which is being reviewed to plan regeneration up to 2036.

There is less than two weeks left of a consultation allowing people in Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton to express their views. The consultation finishes on September 8.

Further consultation will take place after the deadline has passed. But people are being urged to get involved in the process from the start to help produce a document which best represents their aspirations for the future of the Black Country.

Nearly 80,000 new homes need to be built in the Black Country between now and 2036, while the equivalent of more than 300 rugby pitches worth of land needs to be found for new industry and business.

As part of the review there is a “Call for Sites” where people can put forward areas of land they feel may be suitable for development.

One of the key questions in the consultation asks whether parts of the green belt should be released to provide space for future homes and jobs.

Transport and getting people moving also features prominently. Should there be more large scale schemes for public transport, such as the multi-million Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension? Should there be a focus on improving the roads and motorways to ease bottlenecks for cars? Or should the emphasis go on health, and encouraging more people to walk and cycle?

Finally, people are urged to highlight the types of green spaces that are important to them. 

They are being asked to think about which green and environmental spaces matter most, this could be anything from cycle paths to sport pitches or parks, open spaces or areas for wildlife. Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: 

“With less than two weeks to go until the first consultation comes to an end, I would urge everyone to take a few minutes out of their day to have their say on the big issues. This will affect the way we think today and how we plan the best future for the Black Country. 

“The document will not only shape how we continue to protect and improve the local environment but will also set out plans on how people will get around and how we manage increasing demands for growth in housing and the economy.” 

The Black Country Core Strategy outlines how many homes need to be built and how to plan for the number of extra jobs needed in a growing population. It also looks at where new homes and businesses should be located.

The original document was adopted six years ago and covers the period up to 2026. The public consultation will be on a review of the document to take it up to 2036.

The information from the consultation will be collated and used to produce a proposed review document, which will again go out for the public to have their say next summer.       

People can find out more about the consultation and take part at blackcountrycorestrategy.dudley.gov.uk or pick up a leaflet from a local library or request one by calling 01384 814136.