Comment

Representation ID: 4878

Received: 21/12/2022

Respondent: Bellway Homes Ltd

Agent: Turley

Given the significant remaining shortfall arising in the GBBCHMA and South Staffordshire’s clear functional relationship with the wider HMA (demonstrated by its
travel to work patterns, and transport links with Birmingham and the Black Country), Bellway are therefore supportive of the plan’s proposed contribution to the GBBCHMA’s unmet need. The scale of the contribution and the Council’s approach is justified by the Greater Birmingham and Black Country Strategic Growth Study (February 2018).

Nearly all of South Staffordshire’s villages are surrounded by Green Belt, therefore it is inevitable that the District will need to release Green Belt to meet its needs and those
of the wider GBBCHMA. As such exceptional circumstances have been clearly demonstrated to alter Green Belt boundaries through the draft plan, in accordance with NPPF paragraph 140.

The ongoing work with neighbouring authorities to agree the contribution to the shortfall is well evidenced, as such the Council has satisfied the duty to cooperate.

The approach to making a contribution to the wider GBBCHMA unmet needs is therefore positively prepared, based on effective joint working, and is consistent with
national policy.