Comment
Part One: Spatial Strategy and Policies (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 585
Received: 21/12/2023
Respondent: South Staffordshire Council
Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople
South Staffordshire Council (SSDC) published an updated Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment in 2022 which identified a need for 121 pitches during the plan period to 2039. SSDC are now updating the GTAA to align with our revised plan period up to 2041. We have not yet received the findings of the updated GTAA but expect our needs for pitches may have increased.
South Staffordshire Council wrote to DMBC (and other GBBCHMA and neighbouring authorities) in August 2022, and subsequently in October 2023, where we set out that we had only identified a supply of 37 pitches to allocate against a 5-year requirement of 72 pitches. In the letters we set out the steps we had taken to explore supply options including exploring options in the Green Belt, options on publicly owned land, and options for new pitches as part of proposed housing allocations.
SSDC are seeking to ensure that neighbouring and GBBCHMA authorities undertake the same steps that SSDC have taken in exploring pitch options so we can have confidence that our Duty to Cooperate partners have taken a consistent approach when considering if they can assist with SSDCs unmet needs for pitches. We therefore request that through your plan preparation you explore, and evidence, the following options:
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Intensifying supply on existing sites
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Expanding all suitable existing sites
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Exploring all public land options in the Borough for new public sites
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Approaching sites proposed for general housing allocation to identify if the landowner would be willing to set aside part of the site for pitch needs
It is noted that Dudley have identified a likely shortfall in provision of suitable pitches following the ‘call for sites’ process, though it is not clear that all the options identified above have been explored to determine if additional capacity could be available. South Staffordshire Council would welcome an indication that all such options have been explored and we look forward to continuing to engage with DMBC on this issue.
Comment
Part One: Spatial Strategy and Policies (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 732
Received: 21/12/2023
Respondent: Police Crime Commissioner for West Midlands (PCCWM)
Agent: Tyler Parkes
Paragraph 8.35, Gypsies and Travellers. The reference to, “...that pitches and plots are well
designed in line with Secured by Design principles, and it is recommended that advice is sought
from West Midlands Police Design Out Crime Officers” is welcome in itself but it is very important
that wider references are made in relation to Secured by Design principles as the rationale is
equally strong elsewhere.
Object
Part One: Spatial Strategy and Policies (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 733
Received: 21/12/2023
Respondent: Police Crime Commissioner for West Midlands (PCCWM)
Agent: Tyler Parkes
Policy DLP17 Houses in Multiple Occupation, it is requested that the following additional bullet
point is added to the policy, 'All proposals will be expected to demonstrate how the relevant
‘Secured by Design’ principles have been met including the outcome of consultation with Design
Out Crime Officers (DOCO) at the pre-application stage and preparation of a management plan
to demonstrate how the crime prevention measures will be maintained.' In addition, the
Delivery section should add, 'Liaison with West Midlands Police’s Design Out Crime Officers'.
[Suggested changes in bold and underlined). [Objection]
Comment
Part One: Spatial Strategy and Policies (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 798
Received: 30/01/2024
Respondent: Historic England
DLP15. At this time, we have not had the opportunity to comment on the specific site allocations included within the Plan. We will look at these in the new year and would then welcome a meeting with the Council to feedback our comments and discuss the heritage impact assessment of the proposed sites.