Part Two: Centres and Site Allocations (Regulation 18)

Support

Representation ID: 670

Received: 22/12/2023

Respondent: Natural England

Natural England very much welcomes the inclusion of this policy. We welcome the aspiration to plant a minimum of 5000 new trees by 2041. It is important that this is the right tree in the right place - Right tree, right place, for the right reasons - Forestry Commission (blog.gov.uk). Tree planting may not be appropriate for some biodiversity sites including SLINC’s mentioned, as tree planting may not be compatible with its value, or on geodiversity sites for the same reason. We recommend making use of NE’s GI Framework, particularly the urban greening factor and urban tree canopy standards.
The Brierley Hill area is adjacent to Saltwells National Nature Reserve, which includes within its boundaries Doulton’s Claypit Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Brewin’s Canal Section SSSI. Fen’s Pool Special Area of Conservation and SSSI is just to the north. We welcome the principle of improvements to the access to Saltwells National Nature Reserve, in paragraphs 1.45 and 1.46. Likewise we welcome the principle of better connections to Fens Pool nature reserve, in paragraph 1.47. As this site is a Special Area of Conservation, the Habitat Regulations Assessment
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should be utilised in order to ensure there are no adverse impacts. Natural England would be happy to engage with the council on these proposals.

Support

Representation ID: 671

Received: 22/12/2023

Respondent: Natural England

We welcome the inclusion of point h:
h. Improved links to and within Saltwells National Nature Reserve and to Buckpool, Fens Pools and Barrow Hill Local Nature Reserve, and onward connections to Smestow Valley (northwest) and Netherton Park/Bumble Hole Local Nature Reserve (east).

Comment

Representation ID: 672

Received: 22/12/2023

Respondent: Natural England

We welcome the references to Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve and green infrastructure connections. We would welcome a green infrastructure or urban greening policy for Dudley.

Comment

Representation ID: 673

Received: 22/12/2023

Respondent: Natural England

In the Vision, Natural England welcomes the references to the River Stour and the canal.
b) To continue to increase the awareness, visibility and ‘rediscovery’ of the River Stour, returning it to a more natural state and providing continuous footpath and cycleway linkages along its length. Green wildlife corridors will be encouraged to improve the nature conservation value of the watercourse.

Support

Representation ID: 675

Received: 22/12/2023

Respondent: Natural England

We welcome the inclusion of point d in the vision:
d) To capitalise on Halesowen's unique natural assets by protecting, enhancing and improving access to the River Stour, its bank-side habitats and other green open spaces and infrastructure leading to and within the town centre for people and nature.

Comment

Representation ID: 676

Received: 22/12/2023

Respondent: Natural England

Natural England welcomes the inclusion of points 2:
a. Consider and provide ways of increasing the amount of on-site amenity green space and publicly accessible natural and semi-natural green space within the Town Centre (in particular at the north-eastern area of the Town Centre). Dudley Council's 'Open Space, Sport and Recreation' Supplementary Planning Document gives further guidance.
f. Integrate green infrastructure within the building design as an intrinsic part of the scheme's landscape strategy and enhancement of biodiversity. Green infrastructure includes such things as green roof and wall technology, and sustainable drainage.
The justification refers to an under provision of natural and semi-natural greenspace.
4.23. There is also an under provision of natural and semi-natural green space especially in the north-eastern areas of the Town Centre. Creating better access and landscape enhancement to the currently underutilised River Stour corridor will offer an opportunity to begin to address this shortfall, by way of linear green space links, publicly accessible amenity green space and other improvements to the open space network.

Comment

Representation ID: 677

Received: 22/12/2023

Respondent: Natural England

We welcome recognition of the Ketley Claypit Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The policy could give its name, for ease of reference.