Support

Representation ID: 939

Received: 21/11/2024

Respondent: Dennis R Whittaker

No comments needed.

Support

Representation ID: 1039

Received: 28/11/2024

Respondent: Sandwell Council

Sandwell MBC considers the policy to be sound. We support use of the jointly produced evidence base.
We support Dudley MBC meeting its remaining pitch/plot needs via the planning application process. Sandwell MBC is unable to contribute towards any of Dudley’s unmet needs, and has identified its own shortfall in provision for Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople within the Regulation 19 Sandwell Local Plan.

Comment

Representation ID: 1256

Received: 06/12/2024

Respondent: South Staffordshire Council

SSC published an updated Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment in 2024 which has identified a need within the district for 162 pitches during the plan period.
SSC wrote to DMBC (and other GBBCHMA and neighbouring authorities) in August 2022, October 2023 and subsequently in March 2024, where we set out that we had only identified a supply of 37 pitches this is set against a revised 5-year requirement of 92 pitches, and therefore confirming we had a significant unmet need for pitches.
SSC are seeking to ensure that neighbouring and GBBCHMA authorities undertake the same steps that SSC 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 SSCs unmet needs for pitches. We therefore requested that through your plan preparation you explore, and evidence, the following options:
-
Intensifying supply on existing sites
-
Expanding all suitable existing sites
-
Exploring all public land options in the city for new public sites
-
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 the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) 2022 identified a need for an additional 46 pitches in Dudley Metropolitan Borough for families meeting the planning definition. The plan has identified an additional capacity of 13 pitches and there is therefore a shortfall of 33 pitches to be identified which the Borough Council indicate will be delivered within the existing urban area through the planning application process. SSC would welcome an indication that all options identified above have been explored and in particular we would wish to reiterate that DMBC explore the potential for a public site in the Green Belt, a request which we have previously made in a letter dated in December 2023.

Comment

Representation ID: 1459

Received: 10/12/2024

Respondent: Police Crime Commissioner for West Midlands (PCCWM)

Agent: Tyler Parkes

The PCCWM supports 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”. This is welcome in itself but the PCCWM considers that it is very important that wider references are made in relation to Secured by Design principles, where appropriate, to ensure the rationale is equally strong elsewhere.