People are being urged to highlight the types of green spaces that are important to them as the Black Country authorities plan for the region’s future.

Residents living in Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton have until September 8 to have their say on how the Black Country Core Strategy should be updated.

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. 

The feedback will be used to update the strategy, a planning document which will map out development across the four authorities from now until 2036, including where new homes should be built and where new jobs should be provided.

As part of the consultation, there is a “Call for Sites” where people can put forward areas of land they feel may be suitable for development. Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: 
 
“With only a few weeks to go until the 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 for a growing population. It also decides where new homes and businesses should be located.

The consultation document says nearly 80,000 new homes need to be built in the Black Country before 2036. It says sites have already been earmarked for around 60,000. But new plots of land need to be found for nearly 22,000 properties as the population and economy of the area continues to grow.

The document also says there is also a need to find 300 hectares – the equivalent of more than 300 rugby pitches - of new land for industries and businesses in order to create new jobs.

The current Core Strategy 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 document setting out where growth might be located, and this will again go out to consultation next year. 

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.