Sandwell Local Plan Main Modifications Consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 1697

Received: 02/03/2026

Respondent: Natural England

Main Modification response detail

MM12 - SNE1.7 – Amendment to criterion 7 that acknowledges that the ecological value of habitat
sites may change over time:

… and will amend existing designations in accordance with this evidence. Consequently, sites may
receive new or increased, amended levels of protection over the Plan period, including occasionally
their de-designation as a SINC or SLINC.

NE advice: We urge caution around the use of the negative term de-designation, favouring the use
of … re-designation which offers both options to amend both positively and negatively. For example, a current SINC could become a Local Nature Reserve or other higher or lower designation.

Comment

Representation ID: 1698

Received: 02/03/2026

Respondent: Natural England

MM12 Para 3, 4.5 Amend wording to include below.

For note re 4.5. The Air Quality study reviewed both European and RAMSAR sites.