Draft Regulation 18 Sandwell Local Plan

Ambition 7: attractive neighbourhoods add 'in tune with nature'
Ambition 8; add 'the Natural World'

Reason this is relevant: Wellbeing benefits from access to nature (inc mental health) but this is in decline. For instance Starlings numbers between 1995 and 2017; across the UK have declined by 52%. Starlings like the grassland for feeding that some of the proposed open space will create (and the existing Sandwell Valley), but need nest sites. By providing a nest location, preferably integral with new buildings, with a 45mm entrance hole, we could relieve some of the struggles these birds are facing.
For swifts, new buildings lack suitable nest cavities, hence the importance of providing integral nest sites during their construction. The RSPB and the British Trust of Ornithology believe loss of nest sites is a key driver behind the dramatic decline of swifts. Swift bricks can be installed at height.
We can also consider hedgehogs, in sharp decline.

To the Vision, I would add 'biodiversity'

add 'biodiversity'

To Objective 11 add 'access to wildlife'

Paragraph 11.21 is clunky. This should mention WALKING (that is how people reach a bus stop) and also mention TAXIS.

This section could be strengthened. For birds, new buildings can accommodate nest provision. Starlings, for instance, find their food in grassland areas but there may not be suitable nests. Buildings on the fringes of habitat could be required to include universal nesting bricks (swift bricks) and bat bricks.

It is admirable that some sites have been identified but there are also the birds that stay on the wing hunting their food. These birds, swifts, need nest sites throughout Sandwell. The nests need to be integral with the new build so nest bricks and in groups (swifts are sociable / colony birds). Best practice can be followed for location and incorporated into the document.
Swifts are a quintessential sign of British summertime and an intrinsic part of our towns and cities. They are often seen soaring over rooftops on late summer evenings, with their dark sickle-shaped wings and distinctive ‘screaming’ calls. They wont mind if their swift bricks are within an industrial estate or high up on houses. Most people will welcome them. Empty skies are dull.
Nest bricks for swifts also suit cheerful house sparrows.
Providing for bats, separate provision, is also welcome.
Similarly

Enthusiastic to see this support for the area. The new development is well suited for inclusion of swift bricks. This will mean nest sites for birds that rely on buildings that have probably been nesting in the old buildings that are being improved or removed.