A STRATEGY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSFORMATION IN THE BLACK COUNTRY ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE GUIDANCE: MAIN REPORT 2 CONTENTS

01 / Introduction 11

02 / The Importance of Environmental Infrastructure 13

03 / Growth and Environmental Infrastructure in the Black Country 19

04 / Approach to this Study 25

05 / Needs and Opportunities across the Black Country 33

06 / Identifying Priority Areas 115

07 / Identifying Interventions 121

08 / Moving Towards with Delivery 137

Image on cover: Sandwell Valley Country Park, SMBC

ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 3 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT

ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT SUMMARY 01

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC REGENERATION IN THE BLACK COUNTRY IS CONTINGENT ON ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSFORMATION.

The Black Country Environmental Infrastructure Guidance Overarching EIG Principles The Black Country Core Strategy sets out a where environmental infrastructure Environmental infrastructure encompasses infrastructure in the future should focus vision for the Black Country that recognises interventions will maximise opportunities ‘green infrastructure’ (greenspace, trees on how well it maximises these benefits in that social and economic regeneration for achieving the range of social, economic and woodland, grassland, natural areas and supporting the priorities and challenges the and the quality of the environment are and environmental objectives of the Core geodiversity), ‘blue infrastructure’ (water Black Country faces. As such, in developing intimately linked. It highlights that achieving Strategy. It also provides an overview of the courses, water bodies, wetlands) as well as the EIG a set of Environmental Infrastructure environmental transformation is central to types of intervention that could be employed industrial and built heritage. Environmental objectives have been developed for the a successful and prosperous future of the to achieve environmental transformation. This infrastructure assets are , therefore , not EIG based on Objectives and Sustainability sub-Region, citing supporting Environmental main report is supported by the Environmental confined to formal public green spaces , such Principles set out in the Black Country Core Infrastructure Guidance (EIG) in setting Infrastructure Design Guidelines, which as open parks and gardens. Instead they Strategy. These objectives and supporting the strategy for ‘delivering high quality, provides greater detail on the different types of cover a wide spectrum of features, places and principles for development area outlined liveable and distinctive places ‘ that build environmental intervention and a suite of four spaces. For example, they can range from below. It should be noted however that the on a ‘multifunctional green space network’. EIG Action plans which set out key priorities regional landscapes, to local nature reserves, overarching principles of environmental This document constitutes the main report for each of the Black Country Authorities. to green roofs . infrastructure is that it is multifunctional. of the EIG. It sets out the evidence base Environmental interventions should be able to and overarching strategy for prioritising Environmental Infrastructure can perform a contribute to several of the objectives at the action to achieve the step change in range of economic, social and environmental same time. environmental quality desired; highlighting benefits. Delivering environmental

6 EIG OBJECTIVES EIG PRINCIPLES SUPPORTING 1. Focusing environmental High quality environmental infrastructure has been shown to support economic INVESTMENT infrastructure in areas development by leaving inward investment and improving productivity, as such: where it can support • Economic development priority areas and public realm improvements should investment within strategic demonstrate consideration of high quality and multifunctional environmental centres and regeneration infrastructure. corridors for sustainable economic growth • Environmental infrastructure, temporary or permanent, should be used to improve the quality of vacant or underutilised land. This may be particularly relevant in areas where there is a lot of hard standing.

• Use environmental interventions to denote gateways

FOSTERING 2. Identifying opportunities Areas with well maintained green space are more likely to have high approval ratings. HIGH QUALITY for environmental Green space also helps to improve the values of buildings and contributes to community NEIGHBOURHOODS infrastructure to assist in cohesion, as such: protecting and improving • Multifunctional environmental infrastructure should be a central consideration early in high quality residential master planning stage of development areas in sustainable locations

CREATING 3. Ensuring that communities Sustainable transport links and the network of environmental infrastructure assets go hand SUSTAINABLE are well served through in hand. sustainable links to LINKS • Opportunities should be sought to utilise and improve walking and cycling routes along residential services and the canal, river and former rail routes. employment opportunities • New development should make a demonstrable contribution towards developing a wider cycle and walking network across the Black Country that link live / work areas and existing environmental infrastructure assets such as the Black Country Beacons

PROTECTING 4. High quality environment Environmental infrastructure supports a wide range of habitats and species that help to AND ENHANCING respecting, protecting restore the quality of water and air, as well as protecting geodiversity assets. and enhancing water, BIODIVERSITY D • In addition to providing dedicated areas of biodiversity value, new development should soil, air, biodiversity and demonstrate consideration of environmental infrastructure to support the creation of geodiversity functional ecological networks that utilise native habitats and support Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and link existing environmental infrastructure assets including the Beacons, and nature conservation designations.

• Development and environmental initiatives should contribute to overarching urban greening. Redevelopment of vacant and underutilised sites needs to recognise that they might be playing an important environmental function.

• Natural systems such as rain gardens and swales should be used to control, cleanse and store storm water. Where possible, this should be used as a source of non potable water.

• Geodiversity assets should be respected and celebrated.

ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 7 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT EIG OBJECTIVES EIG PRINCIPLES CELEBRATING A 5. Enhance character, Environmental infrastructure should be used to enhance the built and heritage environment: amenity and quality SENSE OF PLACE • Ensuring development recognises local historic and landscape character and assets, so of place building on that heritage and regeneration initiatives work in tandem. the Black Countries historic, landscape and • Identifying where derelict sites already contribute key environmental functions, so that cultural assets to support these functions can be preserved and enhanced. attractive, district centres and housing renewal • The canal tramroads and former canals have been identified as possible sites in the area that could be restored for heritage, access and ecological value.

SUPPORTING 6. Supporting community Access to environmental infrastructure can play an important role in supporting healthy HEALTHY LIVING services to promote lifestyles; reducing the burden on the health authorities: learning, healthy lifestyles, • Development should demonstrate good access to green space suitable for recreation. recreation and sport • Small scale urban greening should be ubiquitous throughout developments

MANAGING 7. Make efficient use of The resources and functions that environmental assets support should be supported: resources, including water, RESOURCES • Opportunities should be sought to utilise environmental interventions, such as rain soil, land, air, waste, EFFICIENTLY water gardens and swales manage water resources. minerals and opportunities to mitigate climate change • Vacant and underutilised land can offer should be used to generate resources. These uses may be permanent or temporary and could include:

- Food growing through urban farming and allotments

- Supporting the creation of a biomass and wood fuel market by growing short rotation coppice

- Utilising natural remediation processes, such as phytoremediation

BUILDING 8. Support climate change Climate change will cause longer, hotter and dryer summers, with wetter winters. This will RESILIENCE TO adaptation measures. - threaten vulnerable infrastructure and people. Environmental infrastructure should be used CLIMATE CHANGE including flood risk and to build resilience to temperature and flood risk: urban heat islands. • Urban greening, using open space, street trees, green roofs, green walls and rain gardens will help reduce the urban heat island effect and should be incorporated into all development and public realm

• Urban wetlands and rain gardens as well as other SUDS solutions should be utilised to manage, cleanse and store surface water.

8 Prioritising action Although environmental infrastructure should be encouraged across the Black Country, prioritising action is important to focus attention, time and resources. For each of the eight EIG objectives, a range of spatial indicators and supporting evidence has been used to demonstrate where environmental interventions will best support that objective.

Drawing these indicators into a composite map, we are able to demonstrate where environmental interventions will have contributed to several objectives, delivering multiple benefits. The map below therefore shows the Environmental Infrastructure Priority areas.

El Multiple Benefit Prioirty Areas

ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 9 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT Tool Kit of Environmental Interventions ENVIRONMENTAL INTERVENTIONS OBJECTIVES CONTRIBUTED TO The EIG also sets out a range of potential environmental interventions that could be utilised to the EIG objectives. The table below summarises the different types of intervention and highlights Green Roofs the objectives to which they contribute. It should be noted that this list is not exhaustive and there may be more locally appropriate solutions that come to light when looking at specific sites in detail. Biomass and Phyto-remediation Capitalising on Opportunities The environmental interventions outline above are likely to be delivered through a variety Urban Wetlands/ Street Rain Gardens of mechanisms and through collaboration of several partners. Of particular importance is the role that regeneration development will have. This will be focused into 16 Regeneration Corridors across the Black Country. These area experience large scale change offer important Space for Food opportunities to co-ordinate and deliver environmental infrastructure that cuts across development boundaries. Development across the Black Country will, however, take time. Vacant Ecological Networks sites and development plots may take considerable time to come on line. To make good use of these sites, and to avoid them becoming degraded, opportunities should be sought for interim uses, such as biomass, phytoremediation and food growing. They may slow play important Open Space and Health surface water management and biodiversity functions.

This main report sets out the overarching sub-regional strategy. A series of action plans, one Canals for each of the Black Country Authorities has been developed through workshops with council officers and other stakeholders. This Action Plans provide greater focus on key interventions, delivery mechanisms, partners and timeframes. These lists are not exhaustive and should Cycle and Pedestrian Routes be seen as a starting point for action. Development schemes that are not aligned to these interventions will still be expected to contribute towards delivering the overarching EIG principles. Quality Places: Public Realm Improvements

Economic Gateways

Adaptation for Schools

The EIG Design Guidance document that supports this EIG provides additional detail and advice for developers and planners on delivering high quality interventions.

10 ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT INTRODUCTION Black Country Historic Characterisation Country Landscape Black 1

Environmental Infrastructure is essential to the future of the Black Country. Supporting regeneration, bolstering biodiversity and geodiversity and creating resilience to climate change, environmental infrastructure will act as a catalyst for socio-economic success and ecological restoration.

Introducing the Study NO. CHAPTER KEY QUESTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS The Black Country Consortium and the four • Support the environmental infrastructure What is Environmental Infrastructure? Black Country authorities of Sandwell, Dudley, policies set out in the Black Country Core Strategy (BCCS) What are the benefits of EI? Walsall and Wolverhampton (the BCAs) 2 The Importance of Environmental Infrastructure have recognised that delivering high quality What policy and strategic drivers are there for • Work with strategic delivery partners to develop environmental infrastructure not only helps EI? a process for prioritising and implementing to conserve and enhance the sub-region’s environmental infrastructure strategies and How much growth will there be in the Black natural and historic assets, but also provides Country? projects. As such, the project will be tailored to Growth and Environmental Infrastructure in the social and economic benefits integral to 3 work with their wider objectives, such as Natural Black Country How can EI support growth? achieving growth and regeneration. England’s Integrated Habitat Mapping and the What understanding of EI has been built so far? Forestry Commission’s Public Benefit Recording • This report constitutes Phase 2 in the What methodology is being used to identify EI Approach to this Study development of the Black Country System 4 opportunities? Environmental Infrastructure Guidance Structure of the Report (EIG). It builds on work that was What are the local needs and opportunities for This report is divided into eight chapters, each of environmental infrastructure? undertaken at the regional level to support Needs and Opportunities across the Black which seeks to respond to a series of key questions 5 Country the preparation of the now revoked West This section sets out the evidence supporting as outlined in the table below. Chapters 2 and 3 the development of environmental infrastructure Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy discuss the current context surrounding Environmental (WMRSS) and preparatory findings drawn Where can the benefits be maximised? Infrastructure (EI) in the Black Country, work that has from Phase 1 on the EIG to: This section identifies the areas where been completed thus far, and identifies strategic drivers 6 Identifying Priority Areas environmental infrastructure will bring the most • Provide a greater level of focus of for EI delivery. Chapter 4 outlines the methodology social, economic and environmental benefits environmental infrastructure requirements undertaken in this study to complete further analysis within the Black Country, specifically to and to identify and prioritise interventions for EI What environmental infrastructure is appropriate? inform Local Development Documents delivery. Chapters 5-8 then summarise the analysis This section explores the range of that has been undertaken and the identified priority 7 Identifying Interventions • Satisfy Growth Point status requirements interventions. environmental interventions appropriate to the Black Country that could bring about in demonstrating how growth can be environmental transformation accommodated without detriment to existing environmental assets and This section sets out key delivery principles, create opportunities for environmental 8 Moving Towards Delivery highlights funding sources and partners and introduces the BCA specific Action Plans. infrastructure to deliver wider socio- economic benefits

12 ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 2 WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE? WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF EI? WHAT POLICY AND STRATEGIC DRIVERS ARE THERE FOR EI?

What is Environmental Infrastructure? The Black Country Authorities use the Providing space for the conservation provide these ‘ecosystem services’ in this way environmental infrastructure, provides following definition for environmental and restoration of biodiversity has also is often termed environmental infrastructure. the following definition of environmental infrastructure: become increasingly urgent. The fledgling Environmental infrastructure encompasses infrastructure types: environmental movement of the 1970s has ‘green infrastructure’ (greenspace, trees ‘…a framework of multi-functional spaces gathered pace, culminating in an extensive and woodland, grassland, natural areas and ‘The environmental infrastructure network and places that in combination create a high body of international, national and local geodiversity), ‘blue infrastructure’ (water comprises of open space, sport and quality local environment and define local legislation and policies. courses, water bodies, wetlands) as well as recreation facilities, areas of biodiversity and communities. It consists of existing public and industrial and built heritage. geodiversity importance, wildlife corridors, the private assets, with and without public access Emerging from these open space and canal network, watercourses and drainage in both urban and rural locations, together with ecology foundations has been a more holistic Environmental infrastructure assets are , systems, air quality and renewable energy new assets that will arise out of regeneration understanding of the broader environmental therefore , not confined to formal public green generation, pedestrian and cycle routes, and development. In some instances these functions that these spaces provide. With spaces , such as open parks and gardens. areas and buildings of high design quality, assets are physically or visually connected increasing appreciation that the built Instead they cover a wide spectrum of and the special character and historic aspects or are capable of being connected’ (Black environment and engineering infrastructure features, places and spaces. For example, of locally distinctive elements of the Black Country EIG Phase 1, 2009) can have detrimental impacts on the they can range from regional landscapes, Country ‘ environment and that these environmental to local nature reserves, to green roofs. The The improvements to quality of life, which problems often lead to social and economic different types of environmental infrastructure communities can gain from access to high challenges, such as the cost and disruption assets have been identified in various quality outdoor environments has been caused by flooding. This, coupled with the technical documents and guidelines and recognised since the Victorian era. It has threat presented by climate change and the include parks and gardens, amenity green evolved through the aspirations of the need to move towards a low carbon economy, spaces, natural and semi-natural habitats, Garden City movement to modern provision furthers the case for natural systems to rivers and canals, archaeological and historic standards , such as Natural England’s provide the flood storage, clean air and sites, and sustainable drainage systems Accessible Natural Greenspace Standard water and comfortable microclimates that city (SUDS) . Policy CSP3 of the BCCS, which (ANGSt) and Sport England’s sports facility dwellers need. Natural space that is used to sets out the strategic objectives for delivering calculator.

14 Types of Environmental Infrastructure: • Parks and gardens: urban parks, Country • Natural and semi-natural rural, peri- Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Environmental benefits include: and Regional parks, formal and private urban and urban green spaces Areas (SPA), Sites of Special Scientific • Protection and enhancement of cultural gardens, and institutional grounds (e.g. including: trees, woodland and scrub, Interest (SSSI), National and Local Nature heritage school fields and hospital grounds). grassland, heath, wetlands, open and Reserves, Sites of Importance for Nature running water, ruderal and pioneer Conservation (SINCs) etc. • Protection and enhancement of • Amenity green space: informal recreation vegetation communities, brownfield sites, landscapes, biodiversity and geodiversity. spaces, play areas, outdoor sport facilities, and bare rock habitats (e.g. cliffs and • Green and blue corridors: rivers and canals including their banks, road and rail housing green spaces, domestic gardens, quarries). • Micro climate control village greens, urban commons, other corridors, cycling routes, and rights of way. incidental space, roof gardens, civic • Designated Sites for Nature • Provision of sustainable transport routes • Archaeological and historic sites: squares and spaces, and highway trees Conservation: internationally, nationally for walking and cycling Listed buildings, Scheduled Monuments, and verges. and locally designated site for nature conservation e.g. Special Areas of Conservation Areas, historic centres. • Resource production

• Functional green space such as • Water and air quality improvements sustainable drainage systems and flood storage areas. • Carbon sequestration

• Other: allotments, community gardens, • Efficient use of land city farms, orchards, green roofs and • Reduction of flood risk urban edge farmland, cemeteries and churchyards, street and hedgerow trees. • Noise pollution abatement

The reach of environmental infrastructure can, • Food and pollination however, go far beyond mitigating the impacts of development and utilities infrastructure – often referred to as grey infrastructure. As such, a key aspect of environmental infrastructure is its multi-functionality.

ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 15 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT The multi-functional opportunities presented Economic benefits include: Understanding the multitude of environmental in the plan-making process through the by environmental infrastructure also have infrastructure functions and applications can inclusion of relevant policies and proposals. social and economic benefits. A number of • Provides an inspiring setting for be challenging, particularly when seeking to organisations, including the Department economic growth and investment. realise a range of benefits and opportunities In 2009, the government’s advisor on for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs that are prioritised through tailored response the built environment, Commission for • Increases quality of place and labour (Defra) and Natural England, have conducted to local need. However, this also brings Architecture and the Built Environment productivity. research on the economic and social value of a number of advantages. Contributing (CABE), published Grey to Green: How We Shift Funding and Skills to Green ecosystem services. The Forestry Commission • Increases property and land values. to meeting a range of issues through advocates the use of a system of Public environmental infrastructure interventions can Our Cities. The publication argues Benefit Recording (PRBS) 1 when undertaking • Sustains environmental tourism bring significant cost savings, particularly in that an understanding of environmental research into environmental infrastructure to and agricultural sectors providing the long-term. Also, maximising the range of infrastructure should be incorporated provide a robust approach to demonstrating employment opportunities and boosting delivery drivers by providing robust evidence into every aspect of public services, from these broader functions. This approach local economies. of the wider benefits of environmental education to development control, and from developed in the Northwest clearly sets out infrastructure opens the door to opportunities transportation to environmental health. The • Helps attract and retain people ensuring the benefits of environmental infrastructure for investment into natural assets broader than study highlights the historic funding shortage stable populations and labour supply. and how it can meet economic and social as the traditional environmental bodies. on environmental infrastructure projects as opposed to the amount of investment that well as environmental priorities. Evidence on social benefits derived National Drivers goes into grey infrastructure (e.g. roads), and from environmental infrastructure is also Perhaps some of the most compelling advocates for a shift in public spending from becoming more robust. The NHS and the research on the economic benefits of As described above, environmental grey projects to green schemes. The study National Institute for Health and Clinical environmental infrastructure has been infrastructure comes in many forms and has also highlights the lack of professionals in the Excellence have undertaken research developed by Northwest Regional many functions. The breadth of functions labour market with the right set of skills and demonstrating that green space is beneficial Development Agency and Natural England in that can be delivered through environmental leadership needed to successfully deliver in reducing a number of cases of several ‘The Economic Value of Green Infrastructure’; infrastructure initiatives means they can environmental infrastructure projects. conditions including heart disease and contribute to a range of social, economic depression. and environmental policy objectives. Despite The social benefits or delivering green the opportunities and benefits, there is no infrastructure are also recognised in the Social benefits include: comprehensive national policy on provision or Government’s Strategy for England’s Trees, • Provides opportunities to improve health delivery. Woods and Forests (ETWF) launched in and well-being. 2007, as a key quality of life objective. As a holistic concept, however, environmental • Provides recreation and leisure infrastructure is advocated by a number of opportunities. government bodies, including Natural England, the government’s advisor on the natural • Provides learning and education environment. Natural England has recently opportunities, including lifelong learning published guidelines on green infrastructure, for adults. advocating that all local authorities prepare green infrastructure strategies to ensure that • Facilitates community cohesion by integration with the development process from providing opportunities to reinforce the outset, and to ensure it is compatible with , feelings of local belonging and sense of and supports future development. Even if a ownership. separate environmental infrastructure study is not produced, it should still be embedded 1 Public Benefit Recording System http://www.pbrs.org.uk

16 National Planning Policy Key national planning policy • PPS12 (2008) ‘Local Spatial Planning: • Consultation paper on a new Planning The Council of Europe’s European Landscape drivers plan for ‘physical, social and green Policy Statement: Planning for a Natural Convention (ELC), which the UK adopted infrastructure’ and defines green and Healthy Environment (2010) • PPS1 (2005) ‘Delivering Sustainable in March 2007, seeks the integration of infrastructure. consultation on proposed policy to Development: Recognises the value landscapes into all relevant areas of policy, streamline and consolidate policies in of natural environment to economic including environmental, cultural, economic • PPG 15 (1994) ‘Planning and the PPS9, PPS7, PPG20 and PPG17. and social. Planning for environmental and social wellbeing and states Historic Environment: Recognises the infrastructure is aligned with the key principles that development should ensure an importance of effective protection for all Other important National Guidance appropriate mix of uses, including the aspects of the historic environment and of the ELC and can assist in achieving its • Green Infrastructure Guidance (Natural incorporation of green space. acknowledges its significance to quality objectives. England, 2009) – advocates that local of life, local distinctiveness, leisure and • Supplement to PPS1 (2007) ‘Planning authorities should plan for environmental Understanding the functions that existing recreation. infrastructure natural assets provide, and using them as a and Climate Change: Recognises the contribution of green infrastructure to • PPG16 (1990) ‘Archaeology and foundation for developing a comprehensive • No Charge (Natural England, 2009) ‘urban cooling, sustainable drainage Planning’: Recognises the importance framework of environmental infrastructure – demonstrates the broader cost systems, and conserving and enhancing of architectural remains and historic has spatial implications. As such, planning benefits of environmental infrastructure biodiversity’. landscape both in their own right and plays an important role in making provisions advocating an eco-systems approach, for environmental infrastructure assets. in their role in education, leisure and • PPS 7 (2004) ‘Sustainable development evidence building and investment Most planning policy deals with specific tourism. in rural areas’: Emphasises the environmental infrastructure functions, such as • Grey to Green: How We Shift Funding protection and enhancement of the • PPG 17 (2002) ‘Planning for open biodiversity or flooding. and Skills to Green Our Cities (CABE, natural environment as a key role for the space’: Recognises the importance of 2009) – makes the case for utilising and planning system. open space and recreational areas in Planning Policy Statement 12 (PPS12): environmental infrastructure approach to Local Spatial Planning, which sets out the improving quality of life and fundamental • PPS 9 (2005) ‘Biodiversity and delivering infrastructure needs Government’s policy on local spatial planning, to the promotion of more sustainable Geological Conservation’: Local recognises the importance of planning for development. It introduces open • Paying for Parks (CABE, 2006) – authorities should plan to maintain, green infrastructure. PPS12 defines green spaces, sport and recreation audits, provides an overview of eight funding enhance and restore the biodiversity and infrastructure as: assessments and standards. options for greenspace geodiversity of its local and wider area. ‘a network of multi-functional green space, Nature conservation sites and networks • PPS25 (2006) ‘Development and • Ecotowns Green Infrastructure both new and existing, both rural and urban, of natural habitats should be preserved Flood Risk’: Recognises the benefits of Worksheet (TCPA, 2009) - sets which supports the natural and ecological and strengthened by planning policy and green infrastructure for flood storage, standards for GI for all areas not just processes and is integral to the health and subsequent development. conveyance and sustainable drainage Ecotowns quality of life of sustainable communities’. systems (SUDS).

By setting the basis for local planning, PPS12 plays a key role in place shaping. Although requires that key elements of spatial strategies over time, and there is a recognised need for references to the benefits of environmental (eg Core Strategy) are supported by evidence. regional and local planning to act quickly to infrastructure are limited, it does use the need understand local circumstances and priorities. to meet green infrastructure requirements The discussion above highlights the range of The next chapter considers the situation in to advocate a spatial approach to planning. drivers for environmental infrastructure. The the Black Country, previous initiatives and Perhaps most importantly, however, PPS12 emphasis on these issues is likely to increase challenges for the future.

ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 17 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT 18 ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT GROWTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE BLACK COUNTRY 3

HOW MUCH GROWTH WILL THERE BE IN THE BLACK COUNTRY? HOW CAN EI SUPPORT GROWTH? WHAT UNDERSTANDING OF EI HAS BEEN BUILT SO FAR?

Growth in the Black Country The Black Country covers approximately 355 It is recognised that large-scale growth could • Brierley Hill • Stourbridge Junction km 2 and supports a population of over one have some negative implications for the million people. Although the area is best known area’s environment, for example, through • Walsall • Coombs Wood – Halesowen for its industrial past, much of the industrial increased air pollution from traffic and loss • West Bromwich • Brownhills landscape has now been redeveloped or of wildlife on derelict sites. However, by reclaimed as open space. In July 2008, the carefully selecting the most sustainable • Wolverhampton. • Coseley – Tipton – Princes End Black Country was awarded ‘Growth Point’ locations for new development, growth can be status through Round 2 of the Government’s accommodated with minimum environmental The Strategic Centres will be supported by Developing an understanding of environmental infrastructure requirements New Growth Points (NGP) programme. Growth impact whilst delivering substantial benefits sixteen Regeneration Corridors which will Point status attracts supplementary funding for the natural environment, local communities provide the focus for housing and employment In 2004, the Black Country Consortium to support the provision of new housing and and the economy. Providing new greenspace, development based around an improved appointed the consultancy Lovejoy to supporting infrastructure. The Department improving canal corridors, creating walking transport network: undertake a conceptual design study for the for Communities and Local Government and cycling routes, improving drainage and Black Country as an ‘Urban Park’ as part of • Pendeford/Fordhouses (DCLG) report , ‘Second Round Growth Points showcasing local historic character and their vision to transform the Black Country by 2033. Broadening Horizons: A Vision - Partnerships for Growth’ (2008) describes distinctiveness are examples of how this might • Stafford Road the Black Country’s ambition to supply a be achieved. The provision of environmental for the Black Country Urban Park (2004) net increase of 32,850 dwellings between infrastructure is an integral part of the creation • South of Wolverhampton City Centre developed a conceptual framework based 2007 and 2016 – 19 per cent more than the of sustainable communities and can provide on the combination of beacons (highly visible minimum required by the now revoked West the spatial framework for shaping where • Wolverhampton – Bilsdon local features), corridors (canal, waterway Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy at the time. growth should go at a local level. and biodiversity network) and communities • Loxdale – Moxley (distinctive character areas). The Black Country Core Strategy (BCCS) The BCCS sets out a shared vision, five • Wednesfield – Willenhall – Darlaston (adopted February 2011) identifies a minimum overarching sustainability principles and ten The Black Country Study, published in 2006, is the strategic plan set out to achieve the requirement of 63,000 additional dwellings spatial objectives. These have been used to • Bloxwich – Birchills – Bescot by 2026 and sets out a strategy to deliver help set priorities within this study and are Black Country Vision. The study further new housing on previously developed land, discussed further in the next section. • Hill Top pursued the vision of the Black Country as an including surplus employment land and sites Urban Park that would ‘create a framework • Tipton – Dudley Port – Brades Village in urban centres. There are also plans to The programme for growth focuses on four for rediscovering the sub-region’s distinctive strategic centres where investment will settlement form, integrating natural and improve the quality of 1,000 ha of employment • Pensnett – Kingswinford land, including environmental improvements, create hubs that provide all parts of the urban environments and helping to realise and to create 1.2 million m 2 of office and retail community with access to shopping, leisure, • Dudley – Brierley Hill – Stourbridge the potential of the area’s natural, built and floorspace. entertainment, cultural facilities and office historic assets’, and proposed the need to employment. They are: • Oldbury – West Bromwich – Smethwick prepare a comprehensive Landscape Action Plan. 20 The Black Country Study helped inform, a number of environmental policies, which CSP4: Place-Making – recognises the wooded greenspaces have a vital role to play and has become a supporting document for , will help protect and enhance existing importance of quality design and the need in ameliorating the heat island effect through the Phase 1 Revision of the West Midlands environmental assets within the Black Country to tailor place-making to reflect the Black natural cooling and shading. Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS, January and contribute to the delivery of a high quality, Country’s unique heritage and character. 2008). The concept of the Landscape Action multifunctional environmental infrastructure Several environmental infrastructure elements, ENV 6: Open Space, Sport and Recreation - Plan has now become enshrined in the RSS network. such as the canal network and the need for encourages development that would increase Policy QE10 , which recognises the importance sport and recreation space, are highlighted as the overall value of the open space, sport in ‘transforming the environment’ as ‘central to playing a role in successful place-making. and recreation network, especially in areas of the achievement of urban renaissance in the deficiency. Black Country’. ENV 1: Nature Conservation - aims to protect and improve the Black Country’s ENV 7: Renewable Energy - recognises the The West Midlands Regional Assembly’s biodiversity and geodiversity resources and increasingly important role of renewable and Regional Environment Partnership, led by Black Country Core Strategy recognises the importance of these resources low carbon energy generation in facing up to the Forestry Commission, commissioned Environmental Infrastructure in improving the attractiveness of the area climate change and promoting sustainable the production of the West Midlands Green Policies: for local residents and visitors, as well as development. Infrastructure Prospectus and accompanying the physical and natural sustainability of the CSP3: Environmental Infrastructure – ENV 8: Air Quality - aims to reduce the Technical Report (2007) . Its purpose was to conurbation in the face of climate change. requires ‘development proposals to exposure to poor air quality in order to improve further advocate the benefits of environmental demonstrate that the strategic network ENV 2: Historic Character and Local the health and quality of life of the population. infrastructure provision and provide a of environmental infrastructure will be Distinctiveness - aims to protect and promote systematic guide to assessment based on protected, enhanced and expanded at the special qualities, historic character and the PRBS, and realise the potential to deliver every opportunity’ by: wider social, economic and environmental local distinctiveness of the Black Country in The BCAs have begun the process of gains. • Producing and implementing EIG order to help maintain its cultural identity and preparing more detailed Site Allocations Phase 2 strong sense of place. Documents and Area Action Plans to take The BCCS outlines ‘environmental forward the Core Strategy policies and • Resiting development that ENV 3: Design Quality - promotes the use transformation’ as one of the underpinning proposals at a local level. These Local compromises the integrity of of high quality design as an essential element themes of the proposed spatial vision for Development Documents (LDDs) will be key to environmental infrastructure of place making and achieving sustainable the sub-region up to 2026. The intention is securing investment and guiding development development. to ‘create a step change in the image and • Requiring development proposals up to 2026. Further local more detailed environmental quality of the Black Country to to improve the quality and quantity ENV 4: Canals - recognises the importance environmental infrastructure guidance is underpin social and economic transformation of the areas environmental of the Black Country’s canal network and the required to inform these LDDs, particularly for and help meet the challenges of growth’. infrastructure. surrounding landscape corridors and promotes the areas of greatest change – the Strategic This would require a coordinated approach its preservation and enhancement. Centres and Regeneration Corridors. to enhance and protect both the built and natural environments and improve community ENV 5: Flood Risk, Sustainable Drainage In addition, Growth Points are required to access to them. In line with the requirements Systems and Urban Heat Island - highlights produce a Programme for Development of PPS12, the BCCS sets out strategic the need for Flood Risk Assessments to be setting out the local authorities’ / partnership’s green infrastructure requirements for each undertaken and promotes the use of SUDS plans and ambitions for growth. This should regeneration corridor to ensure that proposed and river corridor restoration to assist in both identify key green infrastructure (existing and growth is delivered sustainably. reducing the extent and impact of flooding future) required to support new development and also reducing potential urban heat island and how it will be delivered. As such, Growth In order to help achieve this environmental effects. In urban centres street trees and Points ‘must prepare and implement a transformation, the Core Strategy contains Green Infrastructure Strategy in order to

ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 21 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT enhance existing key environmental assets’. Environmental Infrastructure EIG Phase 1 also set out five strategic account of the impact of natural processes at The Growth Point definition recognises Guidance directions for EIG functions and related them the earliest stages of any new development. the additional benefits that environmental to the most relevant environmental aspects in In developing an evidence base to satisfy infrastructure can bring, highlighting that the Black Country. Character, Identity and Landscape : To make the requirements of the RSS, BCCS, other growth should ‘provide new green spaces the Black Country a place where the natural Local Development Documents and Growth designed to deliver a wide range of and built landscapes will create and maintain Point Status, the Landscape Action Plan environmental and social benefits’. Objectives a vibrant, attractive, safe and healthy place has evolved into a more comprehensive in which people will wish to live and work. The Black Country’s Growth Point Environmental Infrastructure Guide (EIG), Identify priorities for the enhancement This will benefit the local population and help commitments make reference to maximising which built on preparatory work undertaken in of environmental infrastructure in the the region adapt to the impacts of economic, the environmental opportunities of the sub- developing the Urban Park concept. regeneration corridors and strategic social and climate change. The historic region’s ‘177km of canals and its extensive centres, which will contribute to the heritage and valued distinctive landscapes , Work on the delivery of a Black Country EIG nature reserves, the legacy of earlier industrial creation of high quality living and which define the identity of the Black Country was then developed in parallel with the BCCS, restructuring – creating a new image of ‘Black investment locations. as a whole will be celebrated and enjoyed by with input from the Environment Focus Group. Country as Urban Park’ and committing to its diverse local communities. Two further studies were commissioned in Ensure that the existing and newly ‘infrastructure investment, in particular ‘green 2008 in order to progress this work: The Black created environmental infrastructure of infrastructure’ to enhance the quality of the Historic aspects, both in natural and built form, Country Environmental Infrastructure Study the Black Country makes an important residential offer’. including buildings, townscape, landmarks, (LDA Design, May 2008) and the Critical contribution to the action to tackle events, people and places, that symbolise Some significant contribution to environmental Review and Options Analysis report (TEP, climate change and its impacts by the culture and heritage of the Black Country. improvement has been achieved though August 2008). The latter report recommended helping to mitigate and reduce carbon These can range from Scheduled Ancient the Black Country Urban Forest. This £7m a ‘two-phase approach’ as the most suitable emissions, and by helping the Black Monuments (SAMs) and Registered Parks and Millennium Fund back tree planting project for delivering the EIG work. Country to prepare, adapt and become Gardens of Special Historic Interest to local brought together a range of environmental more resilient to climate change. features not specifically protected by statutory EIG Phase 1 was undertaken by the BCAs in bodies. Although the Urban Forest initiative is designations June 2009, establishing the overarching vision no longer operational, its legacy remains as a and objectives. Nature: To make the Black Country a place concept, in the formation of the Environment Recreation and Well-Being : To make the with rich and sustainable wildlife and geology, Group and in the patchwork of hundreds of Black Country a place where residents and which provides an attractive setting for living, small woodlands and individual trees. workers have easy access to a network of Vision working, recreation and learning, whilst high quality, multifunctional parks, enhancing It should also be noted that the local helping the area adapt to the impacts of quality of life, contributing towards better ‘It’s about creating a step change in the authorities have developed Green Space climate change. health and fitness and attracting people to image and environmental quality of the Strategies, which provide valuable direction for work and stay in the area. Black Country to underpin social and Naturally occurring features of the the development and maintenance of existing economic transformation as it meets the environment include both the geology and local spaces. The Green Space Strategy for The role of the environment in improving challenges of growth by delivering high wildlife of the Black Country. It encompasses Walsall, for example, has been highlighted as health and wellbeing to the people of the quality, liveable and distinctive places, both site features and landscape scale nature a national exemplar. Black Country, including planning for open, which respect and make the most conservation. green spaces and the provision of sport and of the existing diversity of the Black community facilities. Country’s natural and built environment, Natural Processes : To make the Black particularly its canals, open spaces, and Country an environment that works with Sustainable Movement : To make the Black industrial and architectural heritage’ and contributes towards natural processes Country a place that is well connected by ensuring that new developments and, walking and cycling routes , which are safe wherever possible, existing areas take

22 and easy for people to use. This will have a Sports Participation – Using index of - Details on historic centres Objectives for EIG Phase 2 positive impact on the health and well-being of multiple deprivation indicators on health Deliverability was central to the development residents and visitors alike. • Recreation and well-being • Sustainable Transport – Existing and of Phase 2 of the EIG. Understanding a wider Improvements to the Black Country proposed cycle routes with canals. - Overview of provision of open space, set of socio-economic benefits provided environment which can aid accessibility to PPG17 audits, health deprivation and a sound evidence base for interventions, homes, workplaces and leisure uses, in a Using EIG Phase 1 low sports participation eliminating many information gaps from phase 1, and in the process capitalising on sustainable manner through the reduction of Analysis of the Phase 1 output provided • Sustainable movement opportunities presented. Focusing on the transport-related carbon emissions. the strategic context for the environmental implementation capacity, examining the role improvement requirements in the Strategic - Overview of canal network During Phase 1 a range of datasets were of delivery partners and funding options, were Centres and Regeneration Corridors. This equally important. brought together and mapped to provide guidance provides high level findings covering: - Cycle networks present a strategic spatial plan that Phase 2 has In January 2010 AECOM Design + Planning developed further and refined within the • Nature - High level opportunities for linking Strategic Centres and Regeneration Corridors, greenspace was commissioned to undertake Phase 2 of including: - Percent area of biodiversity the EIG, including: enhancements zones requiring creation, A summary of the environmental • Identifying best practice; • Biodiversity Enhancement Zones – Based restoration or maintenance improvements for each Strategic Centre and 2 Regeneration Corridor is included in the BCCS on a high level 1km grid showing priority • Consolidating and embedding existing - Percent area covered by geodiversity in relation to the spatial objectives. Phase 2 of areas for protection, maintenance and related evidence and initiatives; enhancement. consideration zone the EIG builds on these findings, and provides a robust evidence to justify interventions • Collecting, collating and mapping - Whether wildlife corridors are present • Priority Geological Heritage Consideration through greater detail as to the type, scale additional evidence; Zones – Broad scale 1km 2 mapping of and function, of environmental infrastructure - Whether culverts are present areas with the best opportunities to create required at each location. • Involving and consulting with key important geological exposures. - Percent area deficient against ANGSt stakeholders; A number of limitations are recognised in 2ha and 20ha standards • Accessible Natural Greenspace – Using relation to phase 1. For example, the mapping • Identifying opportunities for climate change the Natural England’s Accessible Natural • Natural processes of Biodiversity Enhancement Zones was mitigation and adaptation; Greenspace Standards (ANGSt) to map undertaken using a 1km 2 grid. A greater proximity to greenspace. - Information on the flood risk areas degree of detail is required, particularly in the • Demonstrating the opportunities and including location and area in flood risk Strategic Centres and Regeneration Corridors constraints for the long term development • Natural Processes – Using green spaces zones to pin-point areas for conservation, restoration of environmental infrastructure for the to alleviate flood risk and help reduce the and maintenance. Another limitation relates whole of the Black Country; vulnerability to the heat island effect - Issues that might affect the heat island to access. Work was undertaken against effect • Assessing and mapping the main , • Landscape Character and Identity – ANGSt in terms of proximity to greenspace areas of opportunity for the protection, Identifies important landscape beacons, • Character, identity and landscape but severance / barriers were not considered. improvement or creation of environmental historic centres and sites, landscape In order to provide the evidence to develop a assets within the Strategic Centres and - Details on the function of Beacons designations and green belt. clear strategy for delivery, Phase 2 supplied Regeneration Corridors; this greater level of detail. - Identifying areas of ancient woodland • Park Priority Areas – Highlighting areas • Demonstrating how the Communities not currently well served by parks. - Information on areas of countryside and Local Government conditions of the Growth Points Programme are being met; • Areas of Health Deprivation and Low

ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 23 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT • Identifying areas of landscape development;

• Developing an Implementation Plan for delivery of a specific, prioritised Environmental infrastructure Programme;

• Addressing issues at a Black Countrywide scale, and in particular on the Regeneration Corridors and Strategic Centres; and

• Creating a justified and credible set of guidelines as part of a broader set of design guidance material

The next section sets out the approach to meeting these objectives. ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT APPROACH TO THIS STUDY Green Roof: Livingroofs.orgGreen 4 WHAT METHODOLOGY IS BEING USED TO IDENTIFY EI OPPORTUNITIES?

Overarching approach Steps 1-4: Setting the scope Using the Phase 1 work and the BCCS 9. Enhance character, amenity and quality The West Midlands Regional Assembly Steps 1-4 included: sustainability principles and spatial objectives, of place building on the Black Countries developed a methodology for mapping and eight environmental infrastructure principles historic, landscape and cultural assets . assessing environmental infrastructure needs 1. Consolidating previous work; were defined to help structure the analysis to support attractive, district centres and and opportunities. It is appropriate, therefore These eight principles were used to identify housing renewal 2. Broadening and restating the objectives that this study should be guided by this a comprehensive range of environmental for environmental infrastructure 10. Supporting community services to overarching structure. This approach has been infrastructure benefits in order to bring contribution in the Black Country; promote learning, healthy lifestyles, tested at a similar scale elsewhere in the West together a wide range of partners and maximise delivery potential by capturing recreation and sport 3. Setting out indicators to build on existing non-environmental drivers over and above assessment; 11. Make efficient use of resources, including the traditional environmental drivers explored water, soil, land,air, waste, minerals and Green Infrastructure for the in Phase 1 (see case study 1). The eight 4. Setting out requirements for further opportunities to mitigate climate change West Midlands: Mapping and investigation principles were: assessment methodology: 12. Support climate change adaptation 5. Focusing environmental infrastructure in measures.- including flood risk and urban Step 1: Identify objectives areas where it can support investment heat islands. Step 2: How green infrastructure can The five overarching principles outlined in within strategic centres and regeneration contribute EIG Phase 1 focused on the environmental corridors for sustainable economic growth This broader scope supported the aspects of environmental infrastructure. With environmental priorities set out in EIG 1 but Step 3: Identify indicators 6. Identifying opportunities for environmental the requirements of EIG Phase 2 to meet also the captured opportunities and solved infrastructure to assist in protecting and Step 4: Select assessments Growth Point requirements in demonstrating issues arising from non-environmental drivers. improving high quality residential areas in Step 5: Data manipulation socio-economic effects, and the desire to incorporate a PBRS type approach, a sustainable locations Step 6: Mapping and analysis – broader set of objectives for environmental identifying need 7. Ensuring that communities are well served infrastructure was needed. Furthermore, through sustainable links to residential Step 7: Considering multiple benefits although the climate change theme runs services and employment opportunities Step 8: Mapping and analysis – through the EIG Phase 1, it was an explicit identifying opportunity requirement of Phase 2 to incorporate more 8. High quality environment respecting, detailed consideration of the climate change protecting and enhancing water, soil, air, Step 9: Appropriate response adaptation potential offered by environmental biodiversity and geodiversity infrastructure. Steps 5 – 7: Data analysis Step 8 – Indentifying Case Study: Delivering opportunities environmental infrastructure Data gathering Once mapping of indicators for each of the from non-environmental objectives was completed, these maps were drivers – Green Wall at For each of the eight objectives outlined above, a range of indicators that reflect the brought together to form a map that shows Westfield community’s needs where identified to use areas where there is the greatest need and Not all environmental infrastructure provision as a basis for identifying priority areas. These through delivering environmental infrastructure is delivered in response to environmental indicators add significantly to the range of data will have the most benefit overall; providing factors. Increasingly, opportunities to analysed in EIG phase 1 and are set out in multiple benefits that work towards meeting capitalise on the multifunctional benefits the table. The data was gathered from various several objectives. This shows areas where offered by environmental infrastructure are reliable sources and was used, along with environmental infrastructure should be attractive to developers in responding to supporting information from research papers prioritised for interventions. wider design and management problems. and policy documents, to demonstrate how Combining this information with an The world’s longest green wall at Westfield environmental infrastructure functions can be understanding of where opportunity site are Shopping Centre in Shepherd’s Bush, used to support achieving the objective. situated, such as derelict land, it is possible to London provides an excellent ecological start to identify opportunity areas. This is show resource but was designed in response Mapping and analysis in section 6. primarily due to neighbours’ noise These indicators, sourced from reliable complaints. There was concern that sound- data sets held nationally, regionally and Step 9: Implementation plan and proofing in this location would result in an locally allowed for meaningful, but rapid, design guidance unsightly engineered solution that would spatial analysis in order to prioritise where The analysis in this report forms a baseline threaten to undermine the attractiveness and environmental infrastructure has the that justifies the need for environmental economic viability of a parade of restaurants. greatest potential to realise the objectives. infrastructure, and demonstrates how it can The designers were tasked with providing Understanding linking where environmental deliver multiple benefits. This evidence will a solution which muffled the sound and infrastructure is required with the specific form the cornerstone in articulating the case maintained amenity. The living wall was the objectives for it to meet also helps to priorities to deliver appropriate responses. Section 7 solution. the kind of function the infrastructure needs to explores the sub-regional issues linking the perform. opportunities identified with delivery. In order to build the spatial understanding for each objective between 3 and 5 indicators were mapped. Using each of the indicators were graded from 0-3 relative to the regional average to highlight the intensity of need. Using GIS these indicators were combined together and mapped to show the areas where environmental infrastructure could have greatest influence on supporting the objective. These are shown in section 5.

ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 27 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL BCCS SUSTAINABILITY BCCS OBJECTIVES INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE MAP INDICATOR / SOURCE PRINCIPLES PRINCIPLES FUNCTION/ASSET B 1 and 2 1. Focusing environmental Inward investment Business Growth / Decline Business Births and deaths 2008, Office for infrastructure in areas National Statistics where it can support investment within strategic Economic Gateways ITN Roads - 400m buffer, Office for National centres and regeneration Statistics corridors for sustainable Rail - 400m buffer, Office for National economic growth Statistics Urban Areas - 1000m buffer, Office for National Statistics Increasing employment High Commercial / Industrial Land Values Value of Industrial commercial land (£) above land value 48 (Backcountry average), Office for National Statistics - MSOA Supporting employment Existing and Future Employment Areas Employment led Regeneration Corridors ,Core Strategy Retained Employment Sites, BCAs Commercial Industrial Floorspace, Office for National Statistics - MSOA 08 B and E 4 2. Identifying opportunities Neighbourhood renewal Future and Existing Housing Growth Housing led Regeneration Corridors, Core for environmental Strategy infrastructure to assist in Housing density per ha, Office for National protecting and improving Statistics high quality residential areas in sustainable SHLAA Sites over 1 HA, BCAs locations Increasing housing land Average House Price Mean dwelling price (£) at change of value ownership 2008 – LSOA, Office for National Statistics Community cohesion Crime IMD Crime 2007 – LSOA, Office for National Statistics ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL BCCS SUSTAINABILITY BCCS OBJECTIVES INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE MAP INDICATOR / SOURCE PRINCIPLES PRINCIPLES FUNCTION/ASSET C and E 3 and 7 3. Ensuring that Supports development Sustainable Movement National Cycle Routes, Sustrans communities are well of sustainable movement Black Country Cycle Routes, BCAs served through sustainable routes links to residential Canals, BCAs services and employment Participation in Sustainable Movement Population travelling to work by foot or bicycle opportunities OA, Travel to work 2001, Office for National Statistics Access to Social Infrastructure Via Dedicated Primary Schools, Office for National Statistics Sustainable Movement Routes 2005 Secondary Schools, Office for National Statistics 2005 GPs, Office for National Statistics 2006

Early Years, Office for National Statistics 2005 National Cycle Routes, Sustrans Black Country Cycle Routes, BCAs Canals, BCAs

ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 29 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL BCCS SUSTAINABILITY BCCS OBJECTIVES INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE MAP INDICATOR / SOURCE PRINCIPLES PRINCIPLES FUNCTION/ASSET A and B 6 4. High quality environment Supporting biodiversity Ecological Areas and Designated Sites Habitat priority areas, EcoRecord respecting, protecting and Designated Sites, (SAC, SSSI, SINC, SLINC, enhancing biodiversity and LNR), EcoRecord geodiversity Existing Green Space Greenspace Audit, BCAs Ecological Corridors Black Country Wildlife Corridors, BCAs Conserving and enhancing Geodiversity Quarries, A Survey of Current Mineral geodiversity Reserves in the Black Country (March 2007) - Scott Wilson Designated sites (SAC, GCR, SSSI, SINC, LNR), BCAs, EcoRecord Geological Consideration Zones, EcoRecord Heritage Historical Settlements pre-1750, BCAs Listed buildings, English Heritage Scheduled Monuments, English Heritage Conservation areas, BCAs 5. Enhance character, Parks and gardens, English Heritage amenity and quality of Country parks, BCAs place building on the Black Countries historic, Beacons, BCAs landscape and cultural Ancient Monuments, English Heritage assets to support attractive, district centres and housing Attracts tourists Tourism Canals, BCAs renewal Country parks, BCAs

Geotourism destinations, Natural England

Tourism Cultural Facilities, AECOM

C 8 6. Supporting community Improving health IMD Health IMD 2007 Health Rank, Office for National services to promote Statistics learning, healthy lifestyles, Obesity in Children National Child Measurement Programme, % recreation and sport children rated as obese, Office for National Statistics Adults Accessing Mental Health Census, Office for National Statistics Access to recreation Market Segmentation Sport England

ANGSt Natural England / AECOM Stakeholder Engagement Events Stakeholder communication has played an During November and December 2010 a series important role throughout the development of workshops were held with each of the four and revision of the EIG. There have also been Black Country Authorities to prepare the authority a number of stakeholder events. specific Action Plans that support this sub-regional EIG. During these sessions stakeholders worked On the 19th May 2010 the multiple through each of the Regeneration Corridors benefits mapping analysis and proposed to identify priority interventions as well as key interventions were presented and tested delivery partners, mechanism, funding and time- through a workshop attended by the BCAs scales. representatives from the Environment Group and other interested stakeholders including:

• Other planning officers

• Climate change officers

• Parks and gardens

• Conservation and heritage

• NHS / PCT

• Highways

• Made

• Groundwork

• HCA

• British Waterways

• Advantage West Midlands

• RSPB

• The Wildlife Trust

The workshop included a mapping exercise which focused on identifying strategic opportunities for delivering environmental infrastructure before tentatively exploring opportunities at a more detailed level within the regeneration corridors.

ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 31 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT

ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS THE BLACK COUNTRY 5

WHAT ARE THE LOCAL NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE? WHERE COULD THE GREATEST BENEFIT BE GAINED?

Objective 1: Support Economic Investment Focusing environmental infrastructure in areas where it can support investment within strategic centres and regeneration corridors for sustainable economic growth

Contribution of Environmental Infrastructure to the Objective It is recognised in both the West Midlands • Land and property values – CABE have • Recreation and leisure – Revenue can be environment also provides opportunities RSS and the Black Country Core Strategy developed evidence to suggest that derived from the recreation and leisure to mitigate climate change through the that delivering a high quality environment will property values increase with proximity to opportunities development of the renewable and play an important role in supporting economic greenspace by about 8%. low carbon energy sector and carbon growth across the sub-region. Environmental • Quality of place – Attracts visitors, new sequestration. infrastructure can contribute to achieving this • Labour productivity – Productivity residents and roots existing residents objective in a number of ways. Some of these increases and sickness related to an area. The Urban Green Spaces Although these functions bring recognised are direct, such as acting as tourist attractions, absenteeism is reduced when employees Taskforce (2002) also suggests that economic benefits, they can be difficult providing usable resources and creating green work in greener and more attractive a decline in greenspace weakens to quantify. Demonstrating the value that industry jobs. However, perhaps the biggest environments. Furthermore, members community cohesion. Conversely, effective environmental infrastructure can make to contributions environmental infrastructure of staff tend to stay longer reducing management can help create and the economy is, however, an important and can deliver are indirect, such as attracting recruitment costs. reinforce sense of place and reduce crime. powerful message in gaining support for inward investment, increasing land values and projects from funding bodies, investors and • Tourism – Environmental infrastructure can • Land and biodiversity – Linked to land improving labour productivity. planners. Although academic research into support tourism directly through visitors to management industries and natural valuing the environment has a long and Natural Economy Northwest, a partnership led natural attractions and more generally by a tourism, but can also attract investment in distinguished pedigree, practical application by Natural England, the Northwest Regional reputation for high quality sense of place. its own right. for policy makers has been harder to produce. Development Agency and SITA Trust, is at In 2007 Defra published an Introductory Guide • Products from the land (ecosystem goods) • Flood alleviation and management – the forefront of developing an understanding to Valuing Ecosystem Services in an attempt – Income from agriculture, forestry and Environmental infrastructure can reduce of the link between the economy and the to ‘ensure that the true value of ecosystems biomass the impact of flood events and manage natural environment in the UK. They set out and the services provided are taken into flood water effectively, helping to reduce the following eleven economic benefits of account in policy decision-making’. The • Health and well being – As discussed in cleanup cost and insurance premiums. environmental infrastructure 2: greater detail in below, environmental appraisal approach outlined was designed infrastructure can have considerable • Climate change adaptation and mitigation to shift emphasis from valuing the impact of • Economic growth and investment – the health benefits and in turn, this – Similarly to flood risk, environmental environmental damage to a more positive contribution to Gross Value Added (GVA) preventative medicine can reduce the infrastructure can help reduce vulnerability one by highlighting the value of the benefits by helping to maintain and attract high demands on public health care and to climate change through increased ecosystem services provide. It outlines that value industries. absenteeism costs. resilience and flexibility. The natural ecosystem services contribute to economic

2. Natural Economy Northwest (2008) The Economic Value of Green Infrastructure 34 Changes in Impacts Economic value Policy Impacts on ecosystem on human of changes in change ecosystem services welfare ecosystem services

welfare in two ways – through contributions There are, however, challenges with ‘how In 2009, five regional development agencies • Qualitatively – referencing case studies or to the generation of income and wellbeing, ecosystems interrelate to provide services supported the Tees Valley Joint Strategy Unit important research where there appears to and through the prevention of damages and deal with issues of irreversibility and and NENW in leading a consortium, which be a link between green infrastructure and that inflict costs on society. It is anticipated high levels of uncertainty in how ecosystems worked towards the production of a toolbox societal benefit, but where the scientific that this broader approach will demonstrate function’ and as such suggest that this of valuation methods, and then to test this on basis necessary to enable quantification that investment in natural systems makes emphasises valuation should be only one of a number of real case study projects. This and/or monetisation is not sufficiently economic sense. many decision making factors. In 2010 Defra, built on the Natural Economy Northwest’s robust. in conjunction with the Environment Agency, research 4, described above, which was The guide sets out a five point process for Forestry Commission and Natural England used to develop the generalised strategic In addition to guidance, work is underway valuation appraisal, as in the diagram above. further developed the concept of value framework for categorising the economic to develop a valuation calculator, which will transfer in Improving the use of environmental benefits of environmental infrastructure. simplify the calculations undertaken when It also provides an overview of different valuation in policy appraisal: A Value Transfer performing an appraisal. valuation methodologies, although recognising Strategy. The strategy describes value transfer The Toolbox is in the last stages of that these methods are not necessarily new as ‘a process by which the economic values development and when available will and that the innovation is the appropriate that have been generated in one context – the allow project developers and promoters application to ecosystem services. It covers: ‘study site’ – are applied to another context to understand the breadth of benefits environmental infrastructure can provide, and • Revealed Preference methods – ‘the policy site’ – to value environmental/ ecosystem service impacts in policy appraisal’. the way in which they can estimate its value: • Stated Preference methods As such, the cost of new projects is based on • In monetary terms, applying economic existing examples. The strategy introduces the • Cost based approaches, and valuation techniques, where possible; Environmental Valuation Reference Inventory 3, • Methods of eliciting non-economic values an international collaboration documenting • Quantitatively (for example, with reference consisting of over 2,100 studies from which to PSA and other public targets – e.g., compositions can be made. jobs, hectares of land, visitors, etc.; and

3. https://www.evri.ca/Global/Splash.aspx 4. http://www.naturaleconomynorthwest.co.uk/ ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 35 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT Case Study: Mersey Community Forest

An example of an assessment of the Key Delivery Drivers economic contribution of green infrastructure • Community engagement in the project was • Extensive economic studies have shown in the UK is a study commissioned by The key – leading to local pride and promotion the multiple benefits of investment and Mersey Forest, the largest of England’s 12 provided links to a wide range of funding. community forests. 5 To date, more than 6,000 • Large-scale green infrastructure planning For every £1 invested in The Mersey hectares of new woodland and improved enabled a range of interventions working Forest, £8 of outputs is generated, due to habitats have been established, an area towards a wider regeneration goal. maximisation of delivery benefit. 500 times the size of Wembley Stadium. Initiatives included tree planting along Praised as a “visionary concept”, the ‘more with public realm improvements to support from trees’ approach brings a whole range of canals and land value. environmental, health and economic benefits to the region. An economic study conducted for the project found that investment of £7 million in tree planting, land reclamation, habitat management and access improvements and support for forestry enterprise has provided annual returns of £5.5 million and a net present value of £71 million (2009/2010 prices). Sources of benefit included in the calculations were: carbon sequestration, energy savings, biodiversity, products from the land, views, recreation, tourism, health and wellbeing, and air pollution absorption. 60% of people living in The Mersey Forest use their local woodlands – with nearly 20% visiting at least once a week.

5. Regeneris Consulting. 2009. The Economic Contribution of the Mersey Forest’s Objective 36 One-Funded Investments. The Mersey Forest The Situation in the Black Country

The Black Country’s economy has been The Black Country also suffers from a lack role as home to some significant high 46 per 10,000 populations nationally. There in decline for over three decades. 6 The of dynamism, underperforming in terms of value adding organisations. Developing a is however variance across the four BCAs. recession has exacerbated the difference competitiveness, investment, innovation diverse economy, with a focus on improved Although data is only available at an authority between potential and actual GDP - known and investment. 9 With limited employment productivity, efficiency and innovation is will be level, the map below shows that business as the output gap - which currently stands in knowledge and high value industries, low key to reducing the output gap. This need is numbers in Sandwell is growing with higher at £5.3billion. 7 This constitutes a significant business start up rates and low skill levels. identified in Sandwell’s Economic Prospectus, start-ups than closures and it is largely stable proportion (37%) of the West Midlands output and highlights the opportunity for green in Dudley, but in Wolverhampton and Walsall gap. There are comparatively fewer knowledge- industries (amongst others) to play a role business closures exceed start-ups. based and high value companies in the area achieving this. The decline of manufacturing has taken its and the number of people working in the toll on the sub-region leading to high levels knowledge sectors has fallen for the first Although positive progress is being made, of unemployment. Not having enough people time since 2001. Most people work in the below average skill levels continue to hamper working in the Black Country has been cited public administration (26%) and distribution, economic development in the Black Country. as a key barrier to closing the output gap. hotel and restaurant (23%) sectors. This is Basic literacy is low with 1 in 4 people in The number of locally available jobs been comparable to the national average; however, the Black Country unable to read or write falling and over the last five years the number there are significantly more than the average and 7% less people obtaining GCSEs than of people in the Black Country classed as working in manufacturing, 17% compared to the national average. The West Midlands unemployed has increased from 16.3% 10% nationally. Fewer people are working Economic Strategy (2007) also recognises the to 18.7%. The 2006 Black Country Study in banking, finance and insurance sectors need to attract, retain and make better use of estimated that 63,000 more people needed – 17% compared to 23% nationally. The graduates within local businesses. jobs to reach the national target of 80%. Black Country Vision predicts growth for the The 2010 State of the Sub-Region report logistics and warehousing sector and although There were 1,410 fewer VAT businesses expresses this against the national average, manufacturing employment is expected to started in the Black Country than the national with the Black Country having an employment continue its decline, the Black Country will average. This equates to a business start-up rate of 67.3% against a national rate of 74%. 8 continue to play an important manufacturing rate of 33 per 10,000 populations against

6. Economy & Skills – Black Country Study - All supporting technical documents submitted as part of the Draft Phase One Revision to the Regional Spatial Strategy at the end of May 2006 7. Black Country State of the Sub-Region Report, Black Country Consortium (2010) 8. The percentage of the labour force that employed. 9. Black Country State of the Sub-Region Report, Black Country Consortium (2010) ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 37 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT Poor business performance has led to widespread dereliction and low commercial land values as show on the map below.

Figure 1: Business Growth/Decline 2008

38 The Black Country Core Strategy draws on a range of background studies to set out a spatial and policy approach to deliver its vision for economic prosperity. 10 The focus is to provide for 75,000 industrial and warehouse jobs in the Black Country by 2026. To support this, an area of 2,900ha of employment land will be safeguarded. The Black Country has an adequate supply of employment land, currently around 3,590ha. This surplus, however, masks the required change in the quality required to attract higher value businesses. There is currently around 527ha of high quality employment land. It is proposed that this should be increased by 1,055ha. Environmental improvements will need to be central to upgrading this offer.

The strategy is to deliver economic growth by focusing on employment led ‘regeneration corridors’ that take advantage of the key transport opportunities and land availability. Within these areas, high quality employment land will be retained and some lower quality employment land will be upgraded through a Land Transformation Programme. Surplus lower quality employment land will be given over to housing in order to create high quality neighbourhoods. The map below 01 2 4 Miles shows the location of the employment led regeneration corridors along with the retained employment sites.

Figure 2: High Commercial/Industrial Value Areas

10. Including Employment Land Study, GVA Grimley (2008) and Employment Sites Study, GVA Grimley (2009) ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 39 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT Figure 3: Existing and Future Employment Areas

40 The table below outlines the Core Strategy vision for each of the employment led regeneration corridors and a summary of key findings from the first phase of the EIG project.

REGENERATION LAND VISION EIG PHASE 1 SUMMARY CORRIDOR (HA)

1. Pendeford / A premier high quality employment location in the Black Country and a focus for leading edge, 71 Enhancement of existing open space and canal network, maintaining drainage Fordhouses high technology industry in the Wolverhampton to Telford High Technology Corridor. functions to minimise flood risk. High quality design to attract high value occupiers.

2. Stafford Road A high quality employment location with a focus on innovation and knowledge-based industry 94 Enhancement of existing open space and canal network, including new and good sustainable transport and education / training links to existing and new residential Neighbourhood Park at Goodyear. High quality design to attract high value communities. occupiers, particularly on gateways

4. Wolverhampton A sustainable and attractive balance of new residential communities and job opportunities – with 228 New network of open space and recreation facilities through new housing, include – Bilston (Local a central area of local and high quality employment land sandwiched between new housing new Parks at Bilston and Ward Street, linked to canal network enhancements. employment) focused along the metro route and canal corridor close to Wolverhampton City Centre and Bilston Town Centre, served by high quality networks of green infrastructure and residential services.

5. Loxdale-Moxley Located in the heart of the Black Country and straddling the Black Country New Road with its 86 Improvements to George fast, reliable access to the motorway network, both to north (M6) and south (M5) this area of Rose Park as Part of the redevelopment of Darlaston Loxdale and Moxley will continue its role as a major industrial and logistics hub serving the Black Country and the region. Through environmental and local access improvements, a new image Academy will be created attracting new investment and jobs. Housing renewal in adjacent areas will have improved housing for local people and attracted new residents, who will also have good access to job and educational opportunities in Walsall, Wolverhampton and Birmingham.

6. Wednesfield This corridor forms one of the main gateways to the Black Country, leading from Junction 10 of 349 Fibbersley playing fields, Willenhall Memorial Park, Villiers Street, The Crescent, – Willenhall – the M6. This corridor will play a major part in providing first class quality employment land for Bentley Leisure Pavilion, and Wood Street Cemetery, George Rose Park and Darlaston knowledge-led manufacturing and logistics businesses serving the regional economy, attracting Moxley Tip could all benefit from developer contributions to improve the quality and providing sustainable jobs for Black Country residents. Building-on and extending the high of provision in this corridor. Some new open space may be created in residential quality road connections for freight to the national motorway network – the Black Country Route growth areas through implementation of the Willenhall AAP. Contributions from and The Keyway – this former heartland of Black Country engineering industry and traditional residential proposals may be sought to support the operation of the Tame Tunnel lock manufacturing will be transformed. The Corridor also includes some of the finest examples to continue to mitigate against flood risk in this corridor. of the ‘traditional’ Black Country industrial villages and towns with their craft skills. Around these towns poor quality industrial land will be restructured to provide new high quality residential development and green spaces. The corridor will have improved cultural, leisure, health and educational facilities to ensure a higher quality of life in the area.

ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 41 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT REGENERATION LAND VISION EIG PHASE 1 SUMMARY CORRIDOR (HA)

8. Hill Top Significant role in the Black Country economy, with additional high quality rapid transit services 271 Improvement of open space provision and access to natural greenspace and a major transformation in the residential neighbourhoods. The River Tame and the Tame for residential neighbourhoods. Protection of existing natural greenspace at Valley Canal will be significant features of the rejuvenated environment of Hill Top. Sheepwash Park, Hydes Rd Pool, River Tame Grasslands and Moorcroft Wood. Flood zones 2 and 3 affect this area.

11. Dudley – A focus for family living around the rejuvenated ‘market’ town of Dudley, a tourism focus of 191 Significant areas of high geological and ecological value at Saltwells Nature Brierley Hill – regional and national repute (based on Black Country Museum, Dudley Zoo, Dudley Castle, Reserve and Fens Pools Nature Reserve / Special area of Conservation. Protect Stourbridge Dudley’s geological and heritage assets) and innovative high quality industry stretching towards and enhance Priory Park, Dudley Town Park (Scotts Green) and Buffery Park. the new strategic centre of Brierley Hill. The area will be set in an attractive environment, well Protect and create views of Dudley Castle. Flood Zones 3a and 2 present on part connected by public transport through a new rapid transit system and served by adjacent retail, of Hurst Industrial Estate. office and leisure growth in Brierley Hill. High quality housing for all in and around both Centres as well as excellent green infrastructure through enhanced green spaces and parks.

12. Oldbury – The gateway to the Black Country from the south and London and Birmingham City Centre. 418 The corridor is well served by a network of parks – Dartmouth Park is a major West Bromwich – The area will be a major contributor to the economic prosperity of the Black country through its asset. There will be an emphasis on improving and enhancing links from potential Smethwick high quality employment land locations and major office developments, major environmental new housing areas into new and existing spaces. This corridor also falls within a infrastructure and public realm improvements. geodiversity zone

The office (880,000m2) and retail (345,000m2) offer will be focused within the four ‘Strategic regeneration of the Black Country and green infrastructure could play an important role within Centres’ of West Bromwich, Brierley Hill, Walsall and Wolverhampton. These strategic centres public realm improvement to support the vision of attracting higher order sub-regional retail, are also the confluence of major transport networks, and as such act as key hubs, where visitors office, cultural and service activities. The map below highlights the most important gateway point will be given their first impression of the Black Country. These economic gateways are key to the where transport infrastructure merges.

42 01 2 4 Miles

Figure 4: Economic Gateways within the Black Country

ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 43 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT 00.5 1 2 Miles

Figure 5: Priority areas for environmental infrastructure to support economic development

44 Opportunities for Environmental Objective 2: Fostering High Quality Neighbourhoods Infrastructure in Response to EIG Principles Identifying opportunities for environmental infrastructure to assist in protecting and the Objective High quality environmental improving high quality residential areas in sustainable locations Combining information on retained infrastructure has been shown to support economic development employment, the employment led regeneration Contribution of Environmental Infrastructure to the Objective by leaving inward investment and corridors, land value, business start-ups A high quality environment is central heightens the fear of crime; poorly designed improving productivity, as such: and the economic gateways, it is possible to to fostering high quality sustainable and managed places can actively attract identify the areas where green infrastructure • Economic development neighbourhoods. Environmental infrastructure anti-social behaviour. However, evidence can be the most effective in supporting priority areas and public realm can not only provide open space for recreation suggests that the provision of green space economic regeneration activities. improvements should demonstrate and support natural processes such as flood is significantly less in areas of deprivation. alleviation, but it can also play an integral role CABE found that the most affluent 20% of The map helps to prioritise where the consideration of high quality and in developing attractive, distinct places, which wards have five times the amount of parks or interventions should be directed. The multifunctional environmental imbue communities with pride. This in turn can general green space (excluding gardens) per regeneration corridors coincide with areas of infrastructure. increase house prices and can reduce anti- person than the most deprived 10% of wards. low land value and as such are particularly • Environmental infrastructure, social behaviour and crime. The quality of space in more deprived areas is highlighted. Opportunities should be sought temporary or permanent, should also lower. Within the most affluent areas less to incorporate environmental infrastructure be used to improve the quality of 11 A recent CABE study found that there is than 0.5% of the population experience more in to these areas, potentially though public vacant or underutilised land. This a high correlation between neighbourhood than three least favourable environmental realm improvements and/or SUDS (urban may be particularly relevant in satisfaction and the provision of quality green conditions; in the most deprived areas it is wetlands, rain gardens) in providing the areas where there is a lot of hard space. Appreciation of these spaces is also 22%. transformation of lower quality employment standing. increasing: in 2007, 91% of people thought land. Potential is particularly pertinent in areas • Use environmental interventions to it was very or fairly important to have green The lower provision and quality standards in that overlap economic gateways, such as denote gateways spaces near to where they live, and by 2009 more deprived areas leads to less frequent around West Bromwich. Impact projects, such this had risen to 95%. The Survey of English use – with 51 visits to green space per year, as living walls or green streets, could improve Housing 12 supports CABE’s findings in that it compared with 62 in the most affluent wards. entrances to these areas. found public space was cited as important as This has broader socio-economic issues employment, health and housing. as, for example, there is also a correlation between poor health and deprivation, which The CABE study also demonstrates that urban can also be improved by delivering effective green space attracts more users than any environmental infrastructure. of the other public services tracked – there is, therefore, strong relationship between The importance of a high quality environment the quality of green space and the public is appreciated by the Black Country. Not perception of council performance. only is environmental transformation a key objective of the Core Strategy, but it also “Clever councillors will invest in great green improves residents’ satisfaction, which is space” CABE (2010) used as a key indicator in the Black Country’s Performance Management Framework. There is a strong association between green space and deprivation. The visual impact of unmaintained green and open space can contribute to a feeling of neglect that

11. CABE Urban green nation: Building the evidence base (2010) 12. DCLG Survey of English Housing (2010) 13 http://www.housebuildersupdate.co.uk/doc_Uptoncasestudy.pdf_113342150306.pdf ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 45 14. http://www.urbandesigncompendium.co.uk/uptonsuds 15. http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/GI%20case%20studies_tcm6-10331.pdf GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT Case Study: Upton Description Upton, Northampton is an example of how area’s challenging steep gradient, this including green infrastructure, SUDS in network effectively managed to attenuate this case, can substantially improve the stormwater runoff and direct it via storage quality of a neighbourhood. As part of its ponds and wetlands to Upton Country Park. growth strategy, Northampton Borough This SUDS network has brought many Council held a master planning event in new plant and animal species to the area, 2001, where residents and stakeholders thereby increasing the biodiversity of the stressed the importance of addressing the district. It has also improved the district ’s region’s flooding issues. The final design open spaces, often blurring the line between comprised of green roofs, swales, water bucolic scenery and public realm. Local butts, and permeable paving, and formed residents now enjoy a pedestrian-friendly an extensive SUDS network. Despite the design with improved green spaces .13 14 15

Key Delivery Drivers • A history of flooding in the area provided • An ‘Enquiry by Design’ (EbD) model was the impetus to investigate designs that used, whereby stakeholders collaborate would mitigate future flood damage on a vision for their community, including a complex range of design requirements. • Upton was granted approval for an Solutions are stakeholder-driven and urban expansion, and saw this as an may endorse original plans, or lead to opportunity to create a safer, more new ones. sustainable community

16. Audit Commission, Best Value PI 119e - % of residents satisfied with local authority parks and open spaces 46 17. ECOTEC Population and Household Forecasts for Black Country Districts with an Ethnic Group Dimension (2007) The Situation in the Black Country The Place Survey 2008/2009 asked local There are approximately 1,075,000 people TOTAL REGENERATION residents in the Black Country how satisfied living in the Black Country. Although natural NEW CORRIDOR they are with their local area. It found a population growth is not expected to be HOUSING satisfaction level of approximately 70.5% significant at around 16,500 by 2026, 17 1. Pendeford / Fordhouses 0 as opposed to a national average of 77.8%. changes in household make up and the 2. Stafford Road 1645 There is, however, some variance across need for higher quality areas are both driving 3. South of Wolverhampton City 565 the sub region, with residents most satisfied the need to provide a significant number of Centre in Dudley 77.3%, then Walsall 71.4%, additional homes. 4. Wolverhampton – Bilston 4310 Wolverhampton 71.2% and Sandwell some way behind at 62.2%. The Black Country Core Strategy explains that 5. Loxdale – Moxley 0 new neighbourhood development and renewal 6. Wednesfield – Willenhall – 1575 The Audit Commission also provide statistics will be centred around the provision of 63,000 Darlaston on the satisfaction for open space and additional homes to 2026. These homes will 7. Bloxwich – Birchills – Bescot 1645 16 be located primarily on brownfield sites within parks. Again, all four authorities fall below 8. Hill Top 4527 the national average of 72%. Walsall scored the regeneration corridors. Those corridors 9. Tipton – Dudley Port – Brades 71%, Wolverhampton 65%, Dudley 64% and with more significant levels of housing growth 7055 Village Sandwell was also the worst performer with a are considered to be housing-led. Land will 10. Pensnett – Kingswinford 670 satisfaction rate of 61%. become be made available by transforming 11. Dudley – Brierley Hill – lower quality employment land into high quality 1160 residential areas. The table shows the number Stourbridge of houses proposed for each corridor. 11b. Brierley Hill – Stourbridge 2480 12. Oldbury – West Bromwich – 5209 Smethwick 13. Stourbridge Junction 4698 14. Coombs Wood – Halesowen 295 15. Brownhills` 455 16. Coseley – Tipton – Princes 1909 End

ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 47 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT At present, housing within the Black Country is relatively low density across the sub- region, although there are pockets of higher densities associated with district and town centres. The map below shows where housing is concentrated, and outlines the areas for potential housing through the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment and highlights the housing-led regeneration corridors.

Wolverhampton Walsall

West Bromwich

Dudley

01 2 4 Miles

Figure 6: Future and existing housing growth

48 Environmental quality has a relationship with house value. The map below shows that there are large areas of the Black Country where the average house price is lower than that of the rest of the West Midlands with higher value housing on the periphery.

Wolverhampton Walsall

West Bromwich

Dudley

01 2 4 Miles

Figure 7: Average House Price (change of ownership) 2008

ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE 49 GUIDANCE – MAIN REPORT Using the Crime Indices of Deprivation as shown on the map below, it is clear that there are large areas where crime deprivation is significantly worse than elsewhere in the country. Environmental infrastructure could play a key role in helping to reduce crime.

Wolverhampton Walsall

West Bromwich

Dudley

01 2 4 Miles

Figure 8: IMD Crime Rank

50