Have your say on major planning schemes

26th October 2021

Sandwell Business Ambassadors are urging people who live and work in the borough to take the opportunity to express their views on two planning initiatives.

A public consultation on the Smethwick to Birmingham Corridor Framework and the Grove Lane Masterplan is open until 5pm on Friday 26 November 2021. The draft plans have been prepared jointly by Birmingham City Council and Sandwell Council, working with the West Midlands Combined Authority, Homes England, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust and the Canal & River Trust.

The draft Development Framework covers the corridor of the BCN Main Line Canal and Dudley Road / Soho Way between Ladywood and Smethwick Galton Bridge Station. It outlines a vision and guiding principles for the area, sets out a transport strategy and development principles for the main development sites. The Grove Lane Masterplan provides a more detailed plan for the redevelopment of the area around the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.

Documents relating to the two schemes are available on the consultation website, where you can also register for updates on the projects and consultation events. Hard copies of the information will also be made available in Smethwick Library, Sandwell Council House and Spring Hill Library in Birmingham.

The online survey is available here. Comments can also be provided by email to hello@smethwicktobirminghamcorridor.com or posted to either of the following addresses:

• North West Planning and Development Team, PO Box 28, Birmingham, B1 1TU
• Regeneration and Growth, Sandwell MBC, Freeth Street, Oldbury, B69 3DE

After the consultation period closes, all comments will be collected and taken into consideration. The planning documents will be amended where necessary and then put through a formal approval process.

This is an important opportunity to contribute your opinions and play a part in developing our borough for the benefit of everyone.