Part Two: Centres and Site Allocations (Regulation 19)

Object

Representation ID: 1344

Received: 27/11/2024

Respondent: Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust

Number of people: 2

Agent: Claremont Planning Consultancy

Legally compliant? Yes

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? Yes

The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust and Charles Church Homes strongly object to the designation of Corbett Meadow as Local Green Space in draft Policy DLPLGS1, arguing that it is inconsistent with national policy and does not support sustainable development. They emphasize that the site should be considered for housing development to meet the Borough’s housing needs, as it is in a sustainable location within the urban area, and could also provide public open space and biodiversity enhancements. The NHS does not have an obligation to provide public access to the land, which is currently in agricultural use and was deemed surplus to medical needs, making the Local Green Space designation inappropriate. They argue that designating the site as Local Green Space would prevent development and hinder the NHS from receiving best value for the land, conflicting with national policy goals of sustainable development.

Furthermore, they highlight that the site has no public access, and while the Planning Practice Guidance does not require public access for Local Green Space designation, the development proposal for the site would provide a new public park and open space for the community. The site is located in a Regeneration Corridor and close to amenities, making it ideal for residential development that would complement the existing urban area. The NHS Trust believes that this site offers an opportunity to deliver sustainable housing, including affordable units, in alignment with the emerging Local Plan’s goals. They urge the Council to reconsider the Local Green Space designation and allow for development that meets both housing needs and the goals of sustainable growth.