The four Black Country Local Authorities (Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton) agreed to work together to produce a Black Country Core Strategy in partnership with the community and other key organisations such as voluntary and private sector bodies and businesses. This is a ‘spatial planning document’ (dealing not only with land use but also environmental, economic and social issues) that sets out the vision, objectives and strategy for future development in the Black Country to 2026. The Core Strategy is a Development Plan Document and forms the basis of the Black Country Local Authorities’ Local Development Frameworks.
The Black Country Core Strategy was adopted on 3rd February 2011 and now forms the basis of the Black Country Authorities’ Local Development Frameworks. The Core Strategy and its Appendices are available to download below. The supporting sustainability appraisal and adoption statement are also available.
For information relating to how the Core Strategy fits into the individual Black Country Authorities Local Development Frameworks please refer to the individual Councils’ websites.
If you have any queries regarding adoption of the Core Strategy please follow the contacts link on the left hand side of this page.
The Role of the Core Strategy
The Core Strategy is a ‘spatial planning document’ which will guide the transformation and regeneration of the Black Country by promoting economic growth through improving the quality of employment land and aiding the delivery of a broad mix of new homes between now and 2026, supported by new shops, offices, leisure, transport and environmental improvements. It will affect all areas in the Black Country and at the heart of the strategy is a series of ‘regeneration corridors’ and ‘strategic centres’ where change will be focused.
The Core Strategy has been developed through a comprehensive and inclusive process which began with the preparation of the Black Country Study and the RSS Phase 1 Revision, adopted in 2008. Throughout this process there have been opportunities to integrate the emerging Core Strategy with emerging Sustainable Communities Strategies, culminating in the publication of the Core Strategy in November 2009. Details of previous consultations can be found at the link below.
NATIONAL PLANNING POLICY CONFORMITY
In line with the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) the Black Country Local Planning Authorities have assessed the adopted Black Country Core Strategy (BCCS) via a NPPF conformity self assessment and have concluded that the plan is in conformity with the NPPF. The document below is the conformity checklist setting out the policies in the NPPF and their synergies with the policies in the BCCS.
This document has approval from the Association of Black Country Local Authorities (ABCA) and has been ratified by the individual Council’s through their individual arrangements.
Timetable
The adopted Black Country Core Strategy is subject to a six week legal challenge period from 3rd February 2011.
Contact Information
