Dudley Council’s planning policy remains “brownfield led”, a senior councillor confirmed, despite continued speculation around a potential housing development on a large area of green space in the borough.
Planning officers have ruled that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will not be required for a proposal to build more than 500 homes on land known locally as The Triangle in Swindon Road, Wall Heath.
A formal planning application is expected to follow, upon which all necessary environmental matters will be considered.
Residents will also be able to comment as part of a formal consultation.
Councillor Phil Atkins, cabinet member for development and regulation, said: “I want to make sure there is no confusion around the terminology – I don’t want people to be alarmed by this.
“In making this ruling around the EIA, we are in no way, shape or form saying we do not care about the environment or our green land. We are bound by the legislation and it not uncommon for an EIA not to be required for a proposed development of this size.
“It does not mean we are accepting the principle of development on this site.
“It is a technical decision based on the legislation, with such assessments only normally taking place for developments much larger than this. “We expect a formal planning application will soon be submitted.
“Given the location of the development, it is at that point that the applicant will be required to address in detail environmental matters. Residents will be able to make their views known as part of the consultation.
“I want to assure residents that the council is still very much in favour of a brownfield led approach to meet the borough’s housing demand into the future.
“Any applications submitted will be assessed in line with current policies.”
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