Comment

Representation ID: 1761

Received: 30/03/2026

Respondent: National Highways

Cross‑Boundary Growth and Duty to Cooperate

National Highways acknowledges MM3 regarding cross‑boundary planning, including updates to the Duty to Cooperate text and the revised table of potential contributions from neighbouring authorities. The lack of confirmed contributions from Shropshire, South Staffordshire, Cannock Chase and Telford introduces uncertainty around how unmet need will be accommodated across the wider Housing Market Area. This, combined with Shropshire’s withdrawal of its Local Plan in July 2025 and the loss of its previously assumed capacity (1,500 dwellings and 30 hectares of employment land), reduces clarity around cumulative future travel patterns and may alter trip distribution across the region, with potential implications for the SRN.

Given that sections of the SRN in the West Midlands already operate with limited flexibility during peak periods, Sandwell’s transport evidence should reflect the updated cross‑boundary position. National Highways considers that final Statements of Common Ground will be helpful to provide a coordinated understanding of planned growth distribution and its associated transport impacts, ensuring cumulative effects are assessed using the most up‑to‑date information.