One comment said that the authority will benefit from the introduction of HS2. As you’re aware, HS2 now ends at Birmingham and therefore Sandwell is unlikely to see any benefit from HS2.

SDS1 Pg 51
“3.6 The borough’s main strategic centre, West Bromwich, is already served by an extensive
transport system and therefore provides a suitable location for economic and housing
growth, although improvements are required to enhance connectivity, accessibility and
environmental quality.
3.7 Strong links will be created between the strategic town centre, the areas identified for
regeneration and existing town and local centres and communities, through high-quality
design, green infrastructure and transport investment, to help spread regeneration benefits,
improve community cohesion and create an effective network.”


Pg 225
The whole of this plan seems to be based on a similar theory to trickle down economics whereby investment will be primarily targeted for West Bromwich and then that will attract further funding and investment to other areas.

West Bromwich is mentioned 197 times in the plan, far more frequently than any other town. West Bromwich is the strategic centre, tier 1. All of the other towns and areas fall into tier 2 or 3.

Lots of investment went in New Square, decimating the remainder of the town centre. The Kings and Queens Square are mostly empty units and it’s a walkway through to the New Square. There wasn’t any benefit to the rest of Sandwell. How will this local plan do things differently?

Pg 40
2.4 In March 2020 Sandwell Council declared a Climate Emergency. Council Members agreed
that greenhouse gas emissions needed to be reduced to a level compatible with keeping
global warming below 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. To achieve that, the Council
committed to becoming carbon neutral in its own activities by 2030 and to seeing Sandwell
become a carbon neutral borough by 2041.

The plan generally talks about growth but doesn’t seem to be taking strong enough, immediate action to keep emission levels down.

Balanced green growth pg 45

“promote the use of zero- and low-carbon designs, building techniques, materials and
technologies in all new development” When will these be introduced? It can’t mention an aim without giving an intended introduction date, hardly a smart target.

Green and blue infrastructure pg 74/75
Townscapes – Why not introduce covered seating structures with greenery incorporated in the design, planting on roof. See Stone Street Square Dudley.