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ID sylw: 107069

Derbyniwyd: 16/01/2025

Ymatebydd: Walsall Council

Strategic cross boundary issue 1: Housing

Walsall responded to the SWLP scoping consultation as part of the Association of Black Country Authorities (ABCA). This response stated that evidence prepared for the Black Country Plan (BCP) indicated the Black Country could not accommodate all its needs in the urban area. Historically the functional relationship between the Black Country and South Warwickshire is limited. However, housing land capacity constraints in the Black Country will create a ripple effect across the conurbation and wider housing market area. We continue to seek assistance from other districts.

The BCP is no longer proceeding, and the Black Country authorities are preparing individual local plans. However, evidence of housing need and supply remains. Furthermore, the December 2024 NPPF introduces a new standard method that substantially increases housing need for the majority of local authorities. Walsall’s increase is from 906 to 1,148 homes annually. Walsall is constrained by Green Belt and we estimate our current housing supply shortfall not including Green Belt is approximately 15,000 homes over the period 2024-2042. We will therefore need to continue to work with authorities from across the wider housing market area to meet our needs, including authorities with land beyond the Green Belt in accordance with the sequential approach set out in NPPF paragraph 147.

Strategic cross boundary issue 2: Employment

The Black Country Economic Development Needs Assessment (EDNA) has been updated (November 2024) to inform individual Black Country local authority plans. This confirmed need for employment land remains similar to in 2021. There remains a shortfall of supply within the Black Country, however contributions to meet this shortfall have been confirmed in local plans from immediate neighbours that are either at examination or have been submitted for examination.

We still support the view from the ABCA response to the Scoping consultation that there should be a balance between new homes and employment land in South Warwickshire to ensure homes are provided close to people’s places of work. However, employment is not an issue where the relationship with Walsall or the rest of the Black Country requires explicit consideration in the SWLP.