Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Linda Leach.

No declarations of interest were made.

[To approve the Wolverhampton Local Development Scheme]

1.      That the Wolverhampton Local Development Scheme (2022-2025) attached as Appendix 1 to the report, be approved upon formal confirmation that the Draft Black Country Plan is no longer proceeding.

2.      That a further report to approve Issues and Preferred Options consultation on a Wolverhampton Local Plan covering the period to 2040, which would  build on work already completed through the Draft Black Country Plan be submitted to a future meeting.

3.      That it be noted that the Black Country Plan preparation process has now ceased following the announcement of the intended withdrawal of Dudley Council.

Councillor Stephen Simkins presented the Wolverhampton Local Development Scheme report for approval. The report outlined the reasons for adopting a Local Development Scheme after Dudley Council’s announcement that they would be withdrawing from the Draft Black Country Plan. Councillor Simkins emphasised the importance of having a Local Plan.

Councillor Stephen Simkins moved the recommendations in the report. Councillor Ian Brookfield seconded the recommendations in the report.

Councillor Ian Brookfield commented on Dudley Council’s withdrawal from the Draft Black Country Plan and expressed support for the proposed Scheme. He advised Cabinet that Wolverhampton Council, alongside Sandwell and Walsall, would be writing to various authorities to inform them of Dudley’s withdrawal and would be seeking means of legal compensation.

Responding to questions, Michele Ross, Lead Planning Manager (Sub-Regional Strategy), clarified that the government housing need under a Wolverhampton Local Plan would be approximately 20,000 homes for the period 2021-2040, compared to approximately 12,000 under the Draft Black Country Plan and that Wolverhampton currently had a shortfall of 8,000 homes.

Resolved:

1.             That the Wolverhampton Local Development Scheme (2022-2025) attached as Appendix 1 to the report, be approved upon formal confirmation that the Draft Black Country Plan is no longer proceeding.

2.             That a further report to approve Issues and Preferred Options consultation on a Wolverhampton Local Plan covering the period to 2040, which will build on work already completed through the Draft Black Country Plan, be submitted to a future meeting.

3.             That it be noted that the Black Country Plan preparation process has now ceased following the announcement of the intended withdrawal of Dudley Council.