Tell us what you think and help shape Sandwell

Take part in consultations, surveys and conversations that interest you, and find out more about decisions we’ve made



Have your say

Open opportunities to get involved

We Are Sandwell Awards 2025

The nominations for the are now open! This is a fantastic opportunity to give a team or a particularly show-stopping colleague the recognition they deserve for their hard work over the past 12 months and celebrate the exceptional contributions of colleagues who live our values and behaviours every day. Anyone can nominate an individual or team by completing the nomination form. The closing date for nominations is 7 May. The winners will be announced at the We Are Sandwell Awards on...

Closes 7 May 2025

Towns Fund West Bromwich Connected: Spon Lane Cycle Route

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council is excited to share with you proposals to construct a cycle track from Kelvin Way to National Cycle Route 81 on the towpath on the Birmingham Canal along Grice Street and Spon Lane. This follows the receipt of funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, called the Towns Fund. It is hoped that the fully segregated cycle route and improved footways and crossings will give residents the confidence to embed cycling and...

Closes 9 May 2025

Closed consultations and engagement

Issues we've asked you about previously

Good Neighbourhood Management Policy

We are working in partnership with local residents to develop our Good Neighbourhood Management Policy. This Policy outlines what constitutes being a good neighbour, and to outline Sandwell Council’s commitment to ensure good neighbourhood management to support tenants and residents across the Sandwell Borough. Please take the time to read the draft policy before responding. Comments are invited on the consultation by 28th April 2025. Your responses to...

Closed 28 April 2025

Tenancy Fraud Policy

We are working in partnership with local residents to develop our Tenancy Fraud Policy. Social housing is in short supply and Sandwell Council is committed to making sure that our homes are lived in by those who need them most and by those they are intended for. We recognise that tackling fraud is an effective way to achieve this and a Tenancy Fraud Policy will provide an overarching framework for the Housing Service. This policy sets out Sandwell Council’s stance...

Closed 28 April 2025

Tenancy Sustainment Policy

We are working in partnership with local residents to develop our Tenant Sustainment Policy. The Tenancy Sustainment Policy details Sandwell Council’s approach for helping residents effectively manage and maintain their council tenancies. It establishes frameworks to identify vulnerable households, provide support for those facing difficulties, and connect them with a variety of advocacy services offering advice and assistance. The policy also seeks to prevent homelessness...

Closed 28 April 2025

Your impact

Outcomes of issues we have asked you about previously. See all outcomes

We asked

We held an in-person community workshop at the Oak Tree Centre and invited children from local schools and residents to participate in this interactive workshop. Alongside this an online consultation was running, this attracted over 70 responses, whilst the in-person workshop had 15 attendees from residents. Further workshops were also held with students from Causeway Green Primary and Brandhall Primary School.  We also held a workshop with a youth cohort from the local area at Bleakhouse Library. We asked residents and students to share their views on the former Brandhall golf course, to help shape the vision and masterplan for this green space/park.

3 Questions were asked:

  1. What qualities do you value most about your local green space?
  2. How do you use your local green space? What activities draw you there?
  3. What would you consider to be the priorities for the design of the park?

You said

Student Workshops-

Across all three workshops there was an emphasis on integrating features within the natural landscape, whether that be places to play or places to sit. All three groups also mentioned how places for playing could be for both people and wild animals.

The younger cohort (Workshops 1 & 2) looked at creating adventurous play high up within the woodland, looking at specific pieces of equipment like zip wires and monkey bars through the trees. Integrating water within the play or creating structures to bridge the water also cropped up within the designs.

The older cohort (Workshop 3) focused more on cross generational socialising within the park, with several of the pupils’ creating structures that provided natural shelter. Another theme was spaces to perform or gather that resembled a kind of amphitheatre-like form. Finally, the group thought about how we could ensure that sports facilities could be used (basketball courts/football pitches) but were still integrated within the landscape, through use of natural colours and materials. 

Residents Community Day-

Qualities Valued in Local Green Spaces

Respondents highly value the presence of diverse wildlife, alongside habitats that connect urban areas to nature. They appreciate the peace, tranquillity, and changing seasonal aesthetics, along with opportunities for unique activities like sledging due to the topography. Wetland areas and a focus on maintaining a natural, wildlife-friendly environment are seen as integral.

 

Uses and Activities in Green Spaces

Green spaces are utilised for a variety of activities that promote both physical and mental well-being. Common uses include dog walking, community and art walks, park runs, and general exercise. The spaces are also cherished for leisure activities such as sledging, enjoying nature and wildlife, and providing play areas for children.

 

Priorities for Park Design

Participants emphasise preserving and enhancing wildlife habitats, wetlands, and woodland areas while incorporating facilities that support both recreational and educational activities. Design priorities include creating spaces for community events, outdoor learning, and adventure play, alongside accessible pathways and features that promote safety. Additional priorities involve integrating water-based interactions, such as pond dipping, and providing informative resources about the park’s history, geology, and ecological importance. Addressing antisocial behaviour and noise pollution also emerged as key concerns.

 

Online response

The same 3 questions were asked for the online consultation as the community day.

1. What qualities do you value most about your local green space?

Respondents highly value the natural aspects of the green space, emphasising its peacefulness, biodiversity, and clean air. Features like mature trees, wildlife habitats, and the natural, unspoiled environment are considered essential. Many noted the importance of maintaining open spaces for mental health, community well-being, and as a sanctuary from urban life. Concerns were raised about preserving the space as it currently exists, protecting trees and wildlife, and avoiding overdevelopment, which could destroy the ecological balance and tranquillity.

 

2. How do you use your local green space? What activities draw you there?

The green space is widely used for walking, dog walking, and recreational activities like picnics and family outings. Many respondents use it for relaxation, mindfulness, and improving mental health, often appreciating its natural beauty and opportunities for observing wildlife. Community activities, such as socialising, art groups, and nature exploration with children, were also highlighted. Some individuals emphasised the importance of its accessibility and the sense of escape it provides from urban surroundings.

 

3. What would you consider to be the priorities for the design of the park?

The priorities centre on preserving the natural ecosystem, retaining mature trees, and maintaining the space as a habitat for wildlife. Respondents advocate for accessible walking paths, seating, and safe areas while minimising disruptive developments like housing or overbuilt recreational facilities. Suggestions include creating an environment-friendly park with features like wildflower meadows, educational opportunities, and a community hub, while ensuring safety, accessibility, and protection against flooding. Many emphasised that minimal intervention is preferred to maintain the green space's natural and tranquil character.

 

We did

A draft masterplan is being produced following the comments received from the consultation activities.

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