The latest element of a major study into the future of housing and employment land use across Dudley borough will be streamed live on the internet.

Dudley Council’s Future Council Scrutiny Committee will be looking at the Black Country Plan on October 6. The meeting takes place at Dudley Town Hall and is open to the public to attend. But the proceedings will also be broadcast live on the council’s YouTube channel for people to follow from home.

The draft Black Country Plan is currently out for consultation until October 11. The plan aims to identify land for housing and employment purposes across the Black Country while continuing to protect green belt land from developers.

Leaders in Dudley have made it clear that their intention is to prioritise use of formerly developed ‘brownfield’ land in order to protect greenbelt land.

People who attend the meeting in the Town Hall on Wednesday have the opportunity to ask questions. There will be no option to ask questions online. Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said:

"It’s important everyone has their say on these important proposals and we need to ensure their views are taken into account with the final report.

"We also want to make sure people can hear and see what is discussed at the meeting, wherever they are, and the live streaming is vital to allow us to do that.

"As a council, we have made it very clear that we are looking at brownfield land first to protect our greenbelt as much as possible. We want people’s views on that and any other ideas they have."

The Future Council scrutiny committee will take place on October 6 at Dudley Town Hall, St James’s Road from 6pm. Residents can have their say during the public forum session of the agenda.

People planning to attend do not need to book in advance. People are encouraged to wear a face mask when they arrive. Numbers inside the building will be limited to keep everyone safe. The meeting will also be broadcast live on the Council’s You Tube channel.

The consultation runs until October 11. People can find out more and complete the survey online. A series of drop-in sessions have taken place across the borough, but residents can still call for advice on 01384 814136.

Alternatively people can visit their local library or council reception area. The easiest way for people to comment is via email, people can send their comments to blackcountryplan@dudley.gov.uk.