Planning consultation enters final fortnight

Residents have under two weeks to take part in the current stage of Bromsgrove District’s Local Plan, the blueprint for how the area will grow by 2043.

Bromsgrove District Council is asking residents to share their local knowledge to help identify sites for the 9,000 homes the Government requires by 2043.

It’s the third of five stages in creating the new Local Plan, which will guide where future homes, businesses, and infrastructure are developed. This ‘draft development strategy’ stage builds on previous ‘issues and options’ and ‘call for sites’ phases. It outlines all suggested development locations and the council’s strategy for selecting some of them for consultation.

It’s not just for residents, with infrastructure providers like the NHS, schools, utilities, and transport services also invited to highlight issues and opportunities. Once all comments are reviewed, the plan will be refined and shared again for further public consultation.

Over the past ten weeks the council has distributed documents, held public events, and run a full online consultation platform, receiving over 4,000 contributions. The consultation closes at 5pm on Friday, September 22.

Portfolio Holder for Planning, Cllr Kit Taylor said: “This stage may be ending, but the process is far from over. Your feedback now will shape the next stage. Without a Local Plan, developers decide. With a plan, we decide. This is about planning for lives, not just numbers.”

With the events drawing to a close today (September 9) at the nineteenth and final session, at Clent Parish Hall from 1:30pm to 6:30pm, the council continues to provide myth-busting answers to frequently asked questions to help residents respond effectively.

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Karen May, added: “By continuing to clearly share the facts, I hope more residents feel encouraged to have their say where it truly matters and avoid misinformation. People care deeply about where they live and work, I do too. That’s why we must work together to shape a future that meets our district’s needs, whilst recognising the Government’s requirements and the realities of the planning process.”

Visit www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/BromsgrovePlan or local libraries for materials, and for queries, contact bromsgroveplan@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk or 01527 881211.