Work is set to start on drawing up a far-reaching planning
blueprint setting out where future housing and commercial
developments should be built to best drive economic growth across
the region.
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board today agreed to
begin preparing a Spatial Development Strategy that will
highlight the best locations to meet future demand for new homes
and workplaces.
The strategy will also set out the transport, energy and social
infrastructure needed to serve new developments – as well as
measures to protect the environment and improve quality of life.
The strategy, which will support Mayor Richard Parker's
forthcoming Growth Plan, is expected to take up to three years to
finalise but will guide the region's future developments for the
next 20-30 years.
A draft strategy, shaped by extensive research and input from key
organisations across the region, will now be produced by the WMCA
and local councils. The draft will then go out to public
consultation, most likely in 2027.
The move is in response to a government proposal requiring all
major regions to produce a Spatial Development Strategy for their
part of the country. It is part of the government's ambition to
deliver 1.5 million new homes before the next general election.
In giving the green light, the WMCA Board was told that a West
Midlands Spatial Development Strategy would help deliver a fairer
distribution of new housing across a wider area, helping those
councils struggling to find enough land to meet standalone
housing targets set by government.
, Mayor of the West Midlands
and WMCA chair, said: “This planning blueprint will directly
support my forthcoming Growth Plan, with these future
developments firing up our economy and unlocking tens of
thousands of local jobs.
“But this isn't just about accelerating economic growth. It's
also about improving people's quality of life by promoting
health, protecting natural habitats and making sure future
developments have the transport, energy and social infrastructure
needed to create vibrant places to live and work.
“This blueprint will be crafted responsibly and democratically,
shaped by close collaboration and public engagement. By working
together in this way, we can produce a plan that meets our
region's future housing needs in a manner that is fair and
balanced for everyone."
Under the blueprint, local councils will continue to be
responsible for detailed planning policy, site allocations and
Green Belt boundaries. They will also continue to decide most
planning applications.
The strategy will help guide the local plans drawn up by councils
by identifying what new infrastructure, such as transport,
energy, schools and GP surgeries, is needed to support new
developments so they can better drive economic growth and build
strong communities.
Areas where protection or restoration of the natural environment
is required will also be identified, while housing need will be
distributed to the most appropriate locations to help promote
climate resilience and improve people's health.
In giving the green light for work to start on the strategy, the
WMCA Board agreed a number of guiding principles for its
production. These include its co-development by the WMCA and
local councils, and a brownfield first approach to maximise the
use of derelict industrial land and reduce pressure on the green
belt.
