1 Development Ready

BLACK PATCH

DRAFT INTERIM PLANNING STATEMENT AND MASTERPLAN JULY 2018

Development Ready 2

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 3

2. VISION, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 4

3. BACKGROUND 5

4. THE CURRENT SITUATION 6

5. PLANNING POLICY 7

6. INTERIM LAND USE FRAMEWORK AND MASTERPLAN 10

7. CONSULTATION 16

This document has been prepared by: Planning Regeneration Team Regeneration and Economy Directorate MBC Sandwell Council House Freeth Street Oldbury B69 3DE

For further information telephone 0121 569 4254 or email [email protected] 3

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 This Interim Planning 1.4 This Interim Planning Statement has been prepared Statement aims to; to set out Sandwell Council’s current position on the area Set out a clear defined around Black Patch in boundary for the area Smethwick, and seek to in which regeneration establish the intentions activity is to be regarding its future land use. It concentrated; will provide an overview of the area and identify the Set the context and development priorities and background in which proposed land use changes this Statement has during the interim period whilst been prepared the Local Plan is being reviewed and adopted. Establish a vision for where we wish the area 1.2 This Interim Planning to be in the near future, Statement does not establish and a range of new planning policy but, through objectives to help setting out the background and deliver the vision; context to the regeneration plans, aims to help encourage Set out the future land the type of development that is use proposals to in keeping with the future vision guide development; of the area. Establish the Interim 1.3 This document will not Planning Statement as constitute a Supplementary a material consideration This document has been Planning Document (SPD) as for future development prepared by: part of the Local Development proposals. Planning Regeneration Team Framework. However if adopted following consultation, Regeneration and it will be treated as a material Economy Directorate consideration for any Sandwell MBC forthcoming planning Sandwell Council House applications or development Freeth Street proposals until such time as Oldbury there is a review of land use B69 3DE allocations in the adopted statutory plan for this area. For further information telephone 0121 569 4254 or email [email protected]

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2. VISION, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

2.1 The incremental change 2.3 However, the sites are 2.4 The purpose of the from a residential nucleus to currently allocated for Interim Planning Statement is that of an industrial hub has led employment use or as white to set out the current context of to the deterioration of the Black land (unallocated) which would the area, identify the council’s Patch Area. The reduction of not allow for a residential vision for the future, recognise families surrounding Black development to come forward. where significant land use Patch Park has reduced its Any proposal for housing would changes may take place and significance in this once vibrant be against planning policy and address how it hopes to achieve and popular area. Due to the is likely to be refused. Whilst this during the emerging policy lack of a community, the Park the statutory Local Plan, the being prepared and adopted. has been left unused due to the Site Allocations and Delivery 2.5 The Interim Planning decreasing facilities it has to DPD has commenced its Statement will go through a offer. In addition, lack of review, the process from round of consultation during investment due to funding commencement to adoption is summer 2018. If it is considered issues has led to limited upkeep lengthy and it is unlikely that a acceptable, it will be adopted at of the Park grounds with anti- plan will be adopted to alter the Cabinet later in the year. It will social behaviour and vandalism land use allocation for a few not form part of the Local becoming more prevalent which years. Therefore the aim is to Development Scheme nor has also resulted in the put into place an Interim constitute a Supplementary demolition of the once popular Planning Statement that will be Planning Document but will be Community Centre. The football treated as a material a material consideration for pitches have remained unused consideration for any future future decision making within for some time and the development proposals put the area. environmental quality of the forward for this area. area has declined significantly.

2.2 The vision for this area is to re-establish itself as a residential community surrounding an improved central park with the necessary infrastructure in place to support the residents. The development of new houses will introduce a new community and vibrancy to the area, increased activity may improve community cohesiveness, and more natural surveillance will increase safety and security. There will be an overall improvement in the environmental quality of the area. 5

3. BACKGROUND area concentrate on metal 3.4 Central to the area is recycling, car repairs and . The park is 3.1 Black Patch lies within portakabin storage. The largest underused and subject to anti- the Soho and Victoria ward. sites are occupied by two long social behaviour in parts. The The area is delineated by the established major employers; Community Centre ceased to Midland Metro and rail lines to Sims Metal Recycling who be used once the maisonettes the north and south, the occupy a number of sites in the at Boulton Road were Canal and Booth vicinity and Avery Weigh Tronix demolished some 10 years ago Street to the west. It lies on the located to the south-west. and it had been subjected to border with Birmingham City extensive vandalism and arson. and within the wider area of 3.3 To the south lies an It has recently been demolished Greater Icknield and Smethwick enclave of housing owned by due to its unstable condition. which is set for major Midland Heart. There are The Park has been dominated regeneration in the coming currently 25 semi-detached by traveller encroachment in years to deliver up to 5000 new homes and a hostel which has the past with damage to the homes and additional social recently been refurbished and park and extensive waste left infrastructure. converted into flats. An area to following eviction. the east at Boulton Road 3.2 The wider area currently holds a temporary incorporates Anne Road and planning permission to be used Foundry Lane, both dominated as a Transit Site. by older industrial premises and vacant sites. The uses in this

Figure 1: Site Context Development Ready 6

4. THE CURRENT SITUATION 4.1 The area around Black 4.3 Black Patch Park lies 4.4 To the south lies land Patch Park is primarily industrial central to the area and consists either side of Kitchener Street in nature. Having once been an in the main of grassland and – an area cleared of its terraced area of mixed use, with Black trees. The park is dissected by housing some thirty years ago Patch Park set within a vibrant thereby splitting and which is now vacant and resident community living into three distinct areas, the top overgrown. The road has been harmoniously alongside portion lending itself to pitches, gated to deter further anti- industrial uses. Recent years which could be used informally social behaviour and the land is has seen the degradation of for football, the south-eastern allocated in the Development the area, with the introduction section for informal recreation Plan for Industrial use. This is of lower grade businesses and and the eastern section is one of the sites being proposed the demolition of the housing at extremely overgrown and the for future residential use. Kitchener Street, Boulton Road location of much of the anti- and Wellington Street. social behaviour. The park 4.5 The second site to be seems to be used infrequently included for potential 4.2 The current policy for but does have an active Friends development is Merry Hill the area is contained within the of Black Patch Park Group. Allotments. Out the 113 plots Site Allocations and Delivery Due to the activities of fly- on site, occupation levels are DPD (SAD DPD) which tippers and travellers the area low at approximately 37% with allocates the majority of the is in an extremely poor condition limited cultivation taking place. land for employment related and unrecognisable from its The allotment gardens, like the purposes, except the Park former status as a main focal Park, have been subjected to which is allocated for point for recreation. The state high levels of anti-social Community Open Space and of the Park and unauthorised behaviour. The Allotment site is the Merry Hill Allotments which encampments has also meant not allocated in the Development are unallocated. that the regular football teams Plan, however any disposal of have found alternative pitches allotments needs to be due to concerns for safety. The authorised by the Secretary of Community Centre has recently State. The council is currently been demolished. consulting the allotment holders on a potential relocation and compensation package following support from the National Allotment Society. If a positive response is received from consultation with plot holders, this site will also be considered for land use change to residential. 7

5. PLANNING POLICY 5.4 The NPPF does not the residents and visitors to an 5.1 Any proposals for change the statutory status of area. Access to high quality development within Sandwell the development plan in open spaces and opportunities will be assessed against the decision making. Developments for sport and recreation can adopted Development Plan and that comply with the assist in the health and well- any associated national development plan should be being of a community. Therefore planning policy. In the case of approved and those that conflict existing open spaces should the proposed development at should be refused unless other not be built upon unless an Black Patch, the guiding policy material considerations indicate assessment has been issues will be considered otherwise. However the NPPF undertaken that shows it to be against the National Planning will be treated as a material surplus to requirements or Policy Framework (NPPF), the consideration in determining alternative provision will Core Strategy planning applications. compensate for its loss. (BCCS) and the Site Allocations and Delivery DPD (SAD DPD). 5.5 In terms of the Black Black Country Core Strategy The National Planning Policy Patch proposals, the NPPF Framework. states that local authorities 5.7 The Black Country Core should positively seek to meet Strategy (BDDC) was adopted 5.2 The NPPF came into the development needs of their in February 2011. It is a spatial force on 27th March 2012. It area and be flexible enough to planning document that sets sets the planning policies for adapt to rapid change, especially out the spatial vision, objectives and provides a where there would be and strategy for future framework by which local undeniable benefits to the development in the Black people and their relative wider objectives of sustainable Country up to 2026. Black councils are able to prepare development. It promotes the Patch sits within Regeneration their own local and need to deliver a wide choice of Corridor 12 of the Core Strategy neighbourhood plans which high quality homes by identifying – Oldbury/West Bromwich/ reflect the needs and priorities suitable sites for housing Smethwick – which within their communities. The development, delivering concentrates on employment NPPF must be taken into appropriate levels of affordable and housing growth. In the account when determining housing based upon need Core Strategy, this area has planning applications. assessments, and set out the been identified for the retention type, tenure and density of of local employment land. 5.3 The purpose of the development across an area. planning system is to contribute 5.8 The majority of the to the achievement of 5.6 In addition, the NPPF Black Patch/North Smethwick sustainable development. There recognises the need for the area is allocated as local are three dimensions to planning system to play an employment land. Policies sustainable development: important role in creating contained within the BCCS economic, social and healthy communities, involving safeguards land for environmental. These roles communities in the development manufacturing and logistics should be considered jointly of Local Plans and facilitating uses within B1 (b) (c), B2 and and simultaneously through the neighbourhood planning. This B8 use classes. Local quality planning system which should will assist in the development employment areas provide for seek to improve the built, of cohesive communities, safe the needs of locally based natural and historic environment and accessible environments investment such as industry whilst also assisting in the where the fear and perception and warehouse, motor trade, growth and regeneration of of crime may be reduced and to builders merchants and waste areas for the betterment of its deliver the social, recreational and scrap metal facilities which residents and investors. and cultural facilities to support are prevalent in Anne Road and Development Ready 8

5.11 Additional policies in the BCCS include the need to consider the retention of open space, the protection and enhancement of the green infrastructure network, dealing with Flood Risk and improving design quality. These can be supported by policies ENV6, CSP3, ENV5 and ENV3 respectively.

Site Allocations and Delivery Development Plan Document (SAD DPD)

5.12 The land use allocations Foundry Lane. With regards the Quality Employment Land, as for Black Patch were originally Black Patch area, proposals for identified within the allocations set out in the Smethwick Area housing would not be in for this area, and TRAN2 which Action Plan which was adopted accordance with the policies states that new development in 2008. These allocations contained within the BCCS for will only be allowed where it have now been incorporated the future employment growth can be demonstrated that the into the Site Allocations and in this area of the Borough. transport implications can be Delivery DPD (SAD DPD). The The loss of employment land resolved. SAD DPD was adopted in for residential would be seen as December 2012 and assists in a departure from the 5.10 However, other policies guiding development within the Development Plan and within the BCCS may also be Borough until 2021. It sets out therefore the benefits for relevant for the delivery of the local policies and allocations housing would need to be housing within Black Patch. in conformity with the Black justified. Policy HOU1 – Delivering Country Core Strategy. Sustainable Housing Growth 5.9 Policies within the states that there should be 5.13 As previously mentioned, BCCS which will need sufficient land identified to the allocations in the SAD DPD consideration include DEL1, meet the housing requirements would not allow for residential which recognises the need for up to 2026 which are identified to be considered appropriate all new developments to be within the Key Diagram of the development, and the proximity supported by on and off-site BCCS. However other sites of the industrial uses could infrastructure to serve the will be sought through affect the environmental quality development and DEL2 which allocations and planning of a residential development. refers to the need to manage permissions on suitable sites. Of particular relevance is policy the balance between Policy HOU2 ensures the SAD EMP 4 – Relationship Employment Land and Housing. provision of a range of housing between Industry and Sensitive This is particularly important in terms of density, type and Uses which outlines that given the loss of employment accessibility which together proposals for industrial land at Kitchener Street to with HOU3 (Delivering development that may affect housing and the potential for Affordable Housing) aims to residential will not be allowed. this to extend onto other areas assist in safeguarding sufficient Equally, proposals that may in the future. EMP3 sets out homes to satisfy a range of affect existing industrial uses the requirement to retain Local needs. will not be permitted unless the 9

adverse effects can be sufficient to accommodate the 5.15 Policy SAD EOS4 states mitigated against. Regard five years’ supply required by that Community Open Space needs to be had as to whether Government. However, a review should be provided within introducing residential into this is underway and there are walking distance of the local area will affect the existing indications that future provision population. And where this is businesses. There are no set may not be able to be met, due provided, it should be retained distances for development to some sites not coming and improved where necessary. within the vicinity of permitted forward in the time period and a The current work being waste sites although a general shortfall of available and undertaken in the Park is guide from the Environment appropriate sites may be supported by this policy. The Agency responsible for granting possible. The Allotments design of the new development Environmental Permits is that a however is not considered to will need to conform to existing buffer of between 200 – 500 be previously developed land policy – SAD EOS9 (Urban metres would be acceptable. but the same consideration Design Principles) and the Taking this into account, the regarding the benefit in the adopted Residential Design residential development may longer term will need to be Guide SPD. This will ensure not be unduly affected by the applied. Clearly the policy that the design is of the highest nearest waste site as it lies regarding Affordable Housing quality, creating a good approximately 300 metres to (SAD H3) will be applied in environment in which to live the west. conjunction with HOU3 of the and visit. Black Country Core Strategy. 5.14 Policy H2 – Housing Windfalls states that residential development not allocated for housing will only be permitted if they are previously developed land, the development of the site will not reduce the overall availability of local employment land and the use is compatible with other development plan policies. The proposal for residential on the Kitchener Street site will unfortunately lead to a reduction in local employment land. However, consideration needs to be had as to whether the wider benefit in bringing forward residential development and creating a new community with much needed housing outweighs the loss of the employment land in the longer term. It is anticipated that the sites currently identified in the statutory plan are

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6. INTERIM LAND USE FRAMEWORK AND MASTERPLAN 6.1 The Site Allocations and 6.2 Therefore, a review of to the potential noise and air Delivery DPD commenced its the land uses in this area is quality issues arising from such review in early 2018. However, required, to address the need uses. Secondly, there is limited due to the lengthy process for good quality housing as well social infrastructure in the involved in reviewing and as providing a renewed focus locality to provide sufficient adopting a local plan, it is for the park and resolving the support to the new residents unlikely that this document will issue of lack of cultivation at such as health and education. be adopted for three years. the allotments. This is Whilst the land at Kitchener necessary prior to the adoption 6.4 In addition to this, the Street has been allocated for of the reviewed SAD DPD or provision of public transport is employment uses since 2008, other statutory local plan for limited to the Midland Metro no development has been this area. line to the north, giving access forthcoming. The Allotments to Birmingham and have declined in usage in recent 6.3 The area faces many Wolverhampton via West years and the Park has lost its challenges which need to be Bromwich and restricted bus focus as an area for recreational resolved when considering the services nearby in Birmingham. activity due to the declining introduction of housing on the No buses directly serve this residential population and sites at Kitchener Street and area at the moment. The problems with anti-social the Allotments. Firstly, the area nearest railway stations are behaviour. to the west is predominantly located at Rolfe Street and The industrial which would be Hawthorns, both of which are considered a non-conforming approximately 20 minutes’ walk use adjacent to residential due from Black Patch. Future discussions will be required with Transport for and the Metro Alliance on how signposting may be improved to better guide residents and visitors to the nearby Metro stops. In addition to this, it may be necessary to investigate whether any improvements are needed to make the route safer and present an improved experience for travellers with, for example, better lighting and landscaping. 11

6.5 The canal network can 6.7 T h e be accessed from Avery Road results of the which provides an additional Environmental mode of transport for walkers Studies, and cyclists wishing to travel highlighting issues into Birmingham or Smethwick/ and how to mitigate Oldbury. The towpaths on this against potential route have recently been situations are set resurfaced. There is a proposed out below; cycle route through Black Patch that forms part of the proposed Noise strategic cycle network adopted 6.8 Based upon in the Black Country Core the environmental Strategy. It is the intention to noise survey invest further in improving the undertaken in April 2018, and accessibility to the canal from the initial site noise risk enhanced this point in the near future. assessment indicates that the ventilation specifications may site is predominantly likely to be required. 6.6 To ascertain whether or be acceptable for residential not a residential development development from a noise Air Quality (including odour, would be acceptable on the perspective provided that good dust and other particulate two sites outlined above, acoustic design process is emissions) consultants were commissioned followed. 6.11 The interim findings on to undertake a study of Flood air quality cover only two months Risk, Ecology, Noise, Air Quality 6.9 Most plots will be able of monitoring so far. Additional and ground conditions. To gain to adopt a natural ventilation surveys are being undertaken a more in-depth result, further strategy if a reasonable set- to gather a full set of results analysis on air quality is still to back of properties from the and should be available later in be undertaken with results major roads is achieved. summer 2018 following expected in a couple of months. However, residential buildings consultation. However, the results of the located within 20 metres of the other studies have clarified that A4040 and both Foundry Lane 6.12 The results from the subject to site layout principles and the elevated rail line to the majority of the monitoring being followed, the sites would south are likely to require a points show that the air quality be suitable to receive passive attenuated ventilation is below the annual mean NO2 redevelopment for housing strategy and appropriate Air Quality Strategy objective. purposes. There may be other glazing. There is only one monitoring investigations required, such as point located at Beeton Road more detailed ground conditions 6.10 The requirement for this that exceeds this objective. The to ascertain the appropriate could be reduced through initial results, therefore, show remediation and foundation locating bedrooms and external that the site is likely to be options required and more spaces to the rear of the acceptable for residential detailed ecology surveys to properties, away from the site development subject to design inform appropriate ecological boundary and therefore the rail of development. mitigation, compensation and line and A4040. The properties enhancement measures. themselves would also provide 6.13 To record any odours in However, principally, the nearby screening from the noise the area, the olfactory screening industrial uses would not sources. Where a 20 metre test (sniff test) has been prevent residential development buffer cannot be achieved, undertaken monthly to coincide taking place. higher performing glazing units with air quality monitoring visits. Development Ready 12

should be used in areas of landscaping or climbing plants can be utilised on the closest residential buildings to the industrial activities on Anne Road or Wellington Street.

Ecology 6.16 The site contains a variety of habitats that could offer opportunities for a range of protected species. An Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey undertaken in March 2018 has identified the following habitats;

Arable weeds; It is not considered that this dust and particulate to be a Various locations across the Common species of nuisance for residential amphibian. The Site is area were chosen for the tests. development and no The location on Perrott Street not considered to be recommendations have been suitable for Great was considered the best to suggested. represent odours at the Crested Newts; proposal site. Odours were 6.15 To mitigate against any Badgers; recorded varying from weak to air quality issues, the layout of strong, which are constant in the proposed development can Bats; nature, and characterised by an be designed to ensure that odour described as sewage, properties are set-back from chemical and industrial sweet Common species the road by 20 metres and of birds; odour. The source of the odour where this is not achievable, could not be identified but is other measures such as Hedgehog; thought to be linked to the mechanical ventilation with existing surrounding industrial NOx filtration may be required. activities. Again, the odours Common species Green infrastructure, for of invertebrates; could be mitigated by good example ivy screens could be design principles. provided on the roadside at the Reptiles; and A4040 to reduce the dispersion Visual dust and Particulate of emissions onto the pavement Invasive Species. Emissions and into the development site. 6.14 During the site walk- No public spaces to face the 6.17 A Preliminary Ecology over visits, nuisance dust was industrial activities on Anne identified on the roads and Appraisal has been prepared Road or Wellington Street and for the proposed development pavement of Foundry Lane and windows to sensitive habitable Woodburn Road. It is likely that sites and has recommended rooms to be located where the retention of green corridors this dust has been deposited there is unlikely to be an odour from the tyres of heavy duty on site to retain a suitable or dust impact. In addition to habitat for commuting bats. vehicles accessing the various this, highly fragranced plants industrial units in the local area. 13

This should include the the Health and Safety Executive homes and also evidence of peripheral woodland within the (HSE) has identified that it is basements. These reports also Park and woodland and scrub unlikely that the Health and state that there are indications located along the peripheries of Safety Executive would advise of asbestos debris. During a the allotment gardens and against development given the site walkover survey, demolition adjacent railway embankments. number of homes that could be rubble, fly-tipped material and accommodated here and the narcotics were observed which Wherever possible, new green fact that it is in the Outer Zone represent potential sources of corridors should be created also lowers the risk of any contamination to future users within the proposed potential hazard. Further of the proposed sites, off-site development. In addition to consultation with the HSE may residents and ground clearance this, it is suggested that an be required once detailed and construction workers. arable weed survey be designs are forthcoming. Former ground investigations undertaken in the summer recorded elevated months to determine the 6.20 Site investigations have concentrations of ground gas presence or absence of previously been undertaken for which may result in gas significant arable weeds. This the Kitchener Street site. The protection measures being will guide which parts of the results indicate that overall required in future buildings. allotments may be of greater there is evidence of made value to retain. ground, and in particular the 6.21 Therefore, any future area in Kitchener Street shows development for residential will 6.18 A more detailed proposal signs of materials below need to be mindful of the for residential development ground, possibly discarded ground conditions and the may require further ecology rubble from demolition of the reports to be completed to determine the presence of bats, badgers and reptiles. A planning application for new homes could consider introducing additional measures to benefit wildlife such as the use of native species within landscaping schemes, the reduction in use of harmful pesticides, the provision of living roofs/green roofs and the installation of artificial habitats for bats, bird, invertebrates and hedgehogs.

Ground Conditions and Surface Water Quality 6.19 The northern part of the site encroaches into an Outer Zone of the Planning Hazardous Substance consent. However, the zone only affects a small area of the proposed site and initial enquiries with Development Ready 14

potential remediation measures 6.23 Several sewers ranging in the area. It provided sport required to reclaim the site for in diameter from 150 to and recreational facilities for housing. Further more in-depth 1200mm flow across the Site. the nearby residents, including site investigations may be Severn Trent Water has a primary school, tennis courts required. confirmed that ‘Protection and a community centre. Since Strips’ (Sewer Easements) of the demise of the housing in Flood Risk between 6 and 15m apply to this area, and the demolition of 6.22 The Hockley Brook is these sewers. No structures the school and community an open culvert watercourse would be permitted within the centre, the park has become which runs through Black Patch sewer easements. Therefore it significantly unused and a Park. A Flood Zone is shown in is also suggested that further haven for anti-social behaviour the northernmost area falling discussions with Severn Trent and traveller encroachment. within Flood Zones 2 & 3, are held to discuss the options Lack of maintenance has added although there are no records for diverting the sewers that to its degradation and of historical flooding within the cross the sites as the current perception of crime has site. Recent site visits have easements will restrict the increased. observed surface water developable area. flooding, generally associated 6.26 The park seems to be with localised topographical 6.24 Overall, the results from used infrequently but does have depressions and areas of the Environmental Reports an active Friends of Black Patch remaining hardstanding. commissioned to date have Park Group seeking to maintain Ponding also occurs across the shown that subject to a few the park’s status and site. Due to the location of more detailed surveys or improvement. Due to the Flood Zone 3 to the north of investigations and good layout activities of fly-tippers and the Allotments site, residential designs to mitigate against travellers the area is in an development should be avoided potential issues, the two sites extremely poor condition and in this part of the site but at Kitchener Street and the unrecognisable from its former provision of an attenuation Allotments could be developed glory when used extensively by basin should be considered. for housing. the resident population. The state of the Park and Black Patch Park unauthorised encampments 6.25 Black Patch Park was has also meant that the regular previously the focal football teams have found point alternative pitches due to concerns for safety. However, the proposal to introduce more housing into the area will lead to a new community being established and therefore the park will benefit for increased usage.

6.27 In order to progress this, the Friends of Black Patch Park has engaged with Sandwell Council’s Parks Section to ascertain the level of improvements required in order to support the needs of a new 15

community. A five year Action below. The vision for the area maintenance will continue to Plan of works and improvements is to attract new housing onto add to the facilities on offer in has been prepared which deals the two sites at Kitchener the community. with upgrading existing facilities Street and Merry Hill Allotments. such as football pitches, paths The housing at Avery Road and 6.30 It is anticipated that the and landscaping as well as the Murdock Road will remain, and two sites could accommodate introduction of new amenities there is the potential for the up to approximately 180 new such as a Community Room, site at Boulton Road to come homes. However this will be play areas and a BMX track. forward for housing if the subject to final designs being Work has already commenced temporary Transit Site is submitted, the overall density of with general maintenance, removed. the proposal and the types of clearing of fly-tipping and the units provided. The level of installation of new bins. 6.29 The existing industrial social infrastructure for However the remainder of the uses will be retained as they example, schools and health works will be subject to funding add to the portfolio of local centres is located within the over time but improving the employment land which plays vicinity, within Birmingham City environmental quality of the an important role in providing a authority. It is anticipated that area will be paramount in order valuable source of low cost the current demand for these to attract house builders to accommodation which is vital services can be met with Black Patch. for local employment needs. existing provision in the area Black Patch Park will also be although further studies may be 6.28 A Masterplan for the retained and subject to available required when more detailed Black Patch area is shown funding, improvements and proposals are forthcoming.

Figure 2: Masterplan Development Ready 16

7. CONSULTATION 7.1 The proposals set out in this Interim Planning Statement will be subject to public consultation in line with The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 and subsequent amendments. Consultation will be undertaken with a wide range of stakeholders and interested parties including local residents and businesses, Birmingham City Council as an adjoining authority, Friends of Black Patch Park and the Allotments groups and Society. Following consultation during summer 2018, comments will be considered and the results will be reported to Cabinet later in the year. 17

7. CONSULTATION

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Think Local

A key Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council objective is to positively influence its local economy, local people’s skills and local employment prospects. To help achieve this objective the Council ensure that the use of ‘Community Benefits’ clause in purchasing power is fair and transparent to help maximise prosperity and increase employment that will provide social and economic benefits for the people of Sandwell.

The proposal of ‘community benefits’ within planning developments will provide a diversity of employment in the area. This may include construction posts during development and a range of employment in the longer term including retail and office based posts. The developments could also provide a range of opportunities for local businesses.

It is therefore recommended that any recruitment, training or purchasing requirements recognised in new and existing development works may be delivered via the following provisions:

‘THINK LOCAL’ Economy, Employment & Skills: 0121 569 2157

FIND IT IN SANDWELL Local Purchasing: 0121 569 2104 www.finditinsandwell.co.uk 19

Disclaimer The maps in this document are based on Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Sandwell M.B.C. Licence No 100032119 (2013).

This Development Prospectus has been produced on the basis of information available to and the policies practiced by the Council at the time of its preparation. It has been produced in good faith but should not be solely relied upon, and prospective purchasers should make their own enquiries as appropriate. Developers should be mindful of this when reading the brief because of the accuracy of this information is time limited.

Useful Contacts Hayley Insley Senior Planning Officer

0121 569 4254 [email protected]

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