Sandwell Local Plan Main Modifications Consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 1757

Received: 30/03/2026

Respondent: National Highways

MM79 to MM98 list the proposed strategic site allocations to be delivered during the plan period. Compared to the previously submitted Regulation 19 Local Plan, the following increased allocation is proposed:

Policy - SSH1
Site - Edwin Richards Quarry
Reg 19 Local Plan - 526 homes and an additional 100 homes post plan period
MM - 628 homes (2027 - 2041) and an additional 150 homes post plan period
Distance from SRN - 4km from M5 J2

National Highways would expect each allocation to be supported by robust and deliverable local highway connections, alongside comprehensive sustainable travel measures that promote a genuine shift toward active and public transport modes. To ensure this, Transport Assessments should take a Vision-Led approach and will be required to demonstrate, with appropriate evidence, that the development’s individual impacts on the surrounding network can be effectively managed and mitigated.

Importantly, these assessments should also consider the cumulative effects arising from committed and planned growth across the wider area, recognising that multiple developments coming forward simultaneously can place additional pressure on both local roads and the SRN. By assessing both individual and cumulative impacts, and identifying proportionate mitigation where necessary, allocations can be brought
forward in a manner that ensures the continued safe and efficient operation of the network.

Comment

Representation ID: 1758

Received: 30/03/2026

Respondent: National Highways

MM100 lists the proposed non-strategic site allocations to be delivered during the plan period. Whilst the allocations are largely comparable with those previously submitted in the Regulation 19 Local Plan, the following new allocation is proposed:

Policy - SH67
Site - Land at Tippity Green (golf course), Rowley Regis
Reg 19 Local Plan -No specific housing allocation provided
MM - 250 homes (2028 - 2031)
Distance from SRN - 3.5km from M5 J2

National Highways would expect each allocation to be supported by robust and deliverable local highway connections, alongside comprehensive sustainable travel measures that promote a genuine shift toward active and public transport modes. To ensure this, Transport Assessments should take a Vision-Led approach and will be required to demonstrate, with appropriate evidence, that the development’s individual impacts on the surrounding network can be effectively managed and mitigated.

Importantly, these assessments should also consider the cumulative effects arising from committed and planned growth across the wider area, recognising that multiple developments coming forward simultaneously can place additional pressure on both local roads and the SRN. By assessing both individual and cumulative impacts, and identifying proportionate mitigation where necessary, allocations can be brought
forward in a manner that ensures the continued safe and efficient operation of the network.

Comment

Representation ID: 1759

Received: 30/03/2026

Respondent: National Highways

Employment Land

National Highways notes the correction in MM8 to Policy SDS4.1c, updating the identified employment land from approximately 637 ha to 726 ha across SEC1, SEC2 and SEC3 sites. While this is a factual adjustment, development of employment land on this scale has the potential to generate additional freight, servicing and employee trips. It is therefore essential that these sites are supported by robust local highway connections and high‑quality sustainable travel options to avoid increased reliance on the SRN for local access.

Comment

Representation ID: 1760

Received: 30/03/2026

Respondent: National Highways

Sustainable Growth

National Highways welcomes the modification to Policy SDS1.2 (MM5), which strengthens the emphasis on directing housing to locations with the highest levels of sustainable transport accessibility and applying minimum densities. Locating development near rail stations, metro stops and public transport hubs supports reduced car dependency and can help manage demand on the SRN. Continued emphasis on high‑quality multimodal connectivity and parking restraint will be important to ensuring these outcomes are realised.

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.