Council invites views on development strategy

Residents of Bromsgrove District can now share their views on a new strategy to guide future growth and improve the area for generations to come.

A 12-week consultation on the district’s draft Development Strategy opened today (June 30). The strategy outlines how local plans could meet Government-set growth targets, including 9,000 new homes by 2043 and the infrastructure to support them.

Bromsgrove District Council voted to launch the consultation at a meeting on June 19, including explicitly confirming that no proposed allocation sites will be finalised at this stage.

A new online consultation platform makes it easier than ever for residents to provide feedback on all aspects of the strategy and its alternatives, from the vision and supporting evidence to housing locations and infrastructure needs.

Cllr Kit Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Planning, said: “This is set to be the council’s most thorough planning consultation ever. We’ve doubled the consultation period to take account of any summer holidays, introduced a powerful new online platform, and are scheduling in-person events across the district.

“The officers have identified what appear to be the most sustainable locations for growth. Now we need your input. What are the local issues in your area? What’s the state of your roads, schools, doctors, and job opportunities? This information is vital to shaping a strategy that will evolve as new data comes in.”

The consultation also invites input from infrastructure providers such as the NHS, education, utilities, and transport services.

The draft identifies 21 potential housing sites, selected from 400 developer-suggested locations, based on sustainability and infrastructure. Of the proposed sites, just under a third of the future homes are in Bromsgrove. Another third are spread across Barnt Green, Catshill, Wythall, Alvechurch, Hagley, and Stoke Prior, with each allocated 340–600 homes. And the final third is a single large site in Frankley, adjoining Birmingham.

Cllr Taylor added: “We must allocate land for over 9,000 homes by 2043. That’s a Government requirement. How we do that, within planning policy, is up to us. So we’re asking: what do you think?”

The consultation runs until September 22. Visit www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/BromsgrovePlan or Alvechurch, Bromsgrove, Catshill, Hagley, Rubery, and Wythall libraries for materials. For queries, please contact bromsgroveplan@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk or call 01527 881211. Information events will follow.