RESIDENTS now have less than two weeks to have their say on Bromsgrove’s local plan, the blueprint for development across the district over the next couple of decades.
Bromsgrove District Council is asking residents to share their local knowledge to inform plans for 9,000 homes across the town, set to be built under government instructions 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 an online consultation platform, receiving over 4,000 contributions. The consultation closes at 5pm on Friday, September 22.
Portfolio holder for planning, councillor 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.”
Public engagement events drew to a close today (September 9), with the final session held at Clent Parish Hall this afternoon.
The leader of the council, councillor 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, email [email protected] or call 01527 881211.
