60,000 new homes to stop exodus

More than 60,000 hew homes, half a million new jobs and multi millions of new investment is needed to persuade the next generation to stay in the Black Country, according to a new report.

Four councils in the region have produced a joint strategy detailing how they can reverse out-migration and thrive between now and 2026. The core strategy, which is out for public consultation until April 28, lists potential regeneration corridors for new employment and retail.

It says 11,363 homes will be created in Walsall, 21,489 in Sandwell and 14,127 in Dudley in a bid to encourage people to stay in the Black Country and seek work.

And 14,056 new homes will be created in Wolverhampton, while a major push will go into regenerating some of the most neglected parts of the Black Country.

Canalsides will be explored for new investment, new homes are planned for town centres and existing areas, such as industrial sites, will get fresh investment.

The document, available on-line and at town halls in the region, says there are 100,000 fewer skilled jobs in the Black Country now than in the 1970s and very few high earners.

Council bosses will spend time between May and October looking at feedback before publishing a final version in 2009 after Government approval.

Craig Rowbottom, planning officer at Wolverhampton City Council, said: "This strategy is a forward looking, growth-orientated planning strategy aimed at delivering a restructured, regenerated and more attractive Black Country."

And Sandwell council leader Bill Thomas said today: "I am very pleased the four Black Country boroughs are working together to produce this strategy. It will bring together the key elements of regeneration, education and skills and the prevention of migration."

The report will align with the Regional Spatial Strategy, a Government-led report on housing expansion. To view it visit black countrycorestrategy. dudley.gov.uk

By Tom Edwards