Dudley Local plan was ‘rushed’ to avoid regulations, according to inspectors
A tough examination of Dudley Council’s plans for borough development started with claims it was rushed to avoid new regulations.
Government planning inspector Louise Nurser will hold six days of hearings throughout June to assess the Dudley Local Plan.
During the first session at Dudley Council House on June 10, the inspector told participants representing the council, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust and the construction industry, she could either approve the plan, reject it but say it could be improved or throw it out completely.
She added: “I am here to examine the plan on behalf of the secretary of state to make sure it is sound and legally compliant, I am not here to make it better.”
Carl Mellor, Dudley Council’s head of planning, told the inspector the plan was supported by robust evidence.
He said: “The new local plan builds on adopted policies and plans and provides sustainable development and protects the borough’s natural and historic environment.
“The plan provides a sound and positive strategy for the borough.”
Discussion on the plan will be split into separate sessions to delve into the details and how it was formulated first on the agenda.
In their submission to the hearing, planning consultants Lichfields on behalf of developer Taylor Wimpey pointed out the plan was prepared under rules which have been superseded.
The consultant says under the new framework, Dudley’s plan which promises 10,470 new homes, is 13,821 homes short of what will be needed.
Developers complained Dudley rushed the plan through using a framework which allowed them to avoid including greenbelt to provide land for the extra homes.
Myles Wild-Smith, from Lichfields, said: “It was a politically motivated push to get it over the line, the plan will not last a year before it is undermined by appeal or speculative applications.”
Peter Goatley KC, for Dudley Council, told the hearing the framework used for the plan meant it was not necessary to release greenbelt land and the council intended to protect it.
