Addendum to the Regulation 19 Sustainability Appraisal

6.1 Conclusion

6.1.1 The proposed main modifications to the SLP as proposed by SMBC have been evaluated in Chapters 3–5 of this report to determine whether the proposed modifications are likely to lead to changes in the sustainability performance of the related part of the plan.

6.1.2 SMBC has proposed three potential main modifications to the SLP:

• The proposed allocation of part of Rowley Regis Golf Course, Tippity Green, for housing development.
• Changes to the wording of Policy SCC4 – Embodied Carbon and Waste.
• The removal of Hill House Farm as a potential Habitat Bank for BNG and the inclusion of Hill Farm Bridge Fields and Ray Hall Pastoral Land (Policy SNE2 – Protection and Enhancement of Wildlife Habitats).

6.1.3 Minor changes have been made to the wording and content of SLP Policies SCC4 and SNE2 compared to the versions that were assessed in the Regulation 19 SA. The appraisal has identified that these modified policies are unlikely to result in any significant effects and the evaluation of both policies against the SA Framework remains unchanged since the Regulation 19 SA.

6.1.4 The additional site at Rowley Regis Golf Course has been evaluated using the same methodology as other reasonable alternative sites, pre- and post-mitigation. Following consideration of SLP policy mitigation, mixed effects have been identified however none will change the residual effects of the SLP as a whole as identified in the Regulation 19 SA Report (2024).

6.2 Next steps

6.2.1 This SA Addendum will be subject to consultation alongside the SLP Proposed Main Modifications Consultation Document between 28th April and 9th June 2025.

6.2.2 The purpose of this consultation is to invite representations on the proposed main modifications under Regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.

6.2.3 All representations received will be considered by the Inspector who has been appointed by the Secretary of State to carry out the independent examination of the SLP. The decision on whether to incorporate the proposed main modifications is taken by the Inspector, and this consultation is taking place without prejudice to the Inspector's final conclusions.

6.2.4 Further information regarding the examination process can be found on the SLP website: https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/localplanexamination