Part One: Spatial Strategy and Policies (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 550

Received: 15/12/2023

Respondent: Redditch Borough Council

It is noted that Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council is meeting the majority of its housing needs which is to be welcomed, although acknowledge there still remains a shortfall of 1,078 homes to be met across the Housing Market Area. It is also acknowledged that a significant proportion of employment needs are also being met within the Borough, although still leaving a shortfall of 33 hectares to be found across the Functional Economic Market Area. Of further note are the issues raised with provision for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation identifying a shortfall of up to 32 pitches.
Redditch Borough Council remains committed to the Duty to Cooperate and will continue to engage in discussions. Redditch is an authority which is significanly constrained by Green Belt and any significant future development for either housing or employment needs will require removing land from the Green Belt. With the current uncertainties around the role that Green Belt land is expected to play for future development needs, caused by the as yet unconfirmed reforms to the NPPF originally announced in December 2022, officers of the Council are unable to comment further at this stage as to the validity or otherwise of the approach taken by Dudley MBC with this draft Local Plan.
As stated above the Council will continue to engage under the Duty to Cooperate and in due course will welcome further discussions on the approach taken by Dudley MBC and we look forward to investigating further any cross boundary infrastructure requirements required.