We asked, you said, we did

Sandwell Council published the Publication Sandwell Local Plan on 23 September 2024 and invited comments on its soundess and legal compliance until 11 November 2024.

Over 360 comments were made on the soundness and legal compliance of the Local Plan. 

The Publication Sandwell Local Plan, comments made on soundness and legal compliance, and supporting documents and information will be submitted to the Secretary of State. An Independent Planning Inspector will be appointed to examine the Local Plan in an open forum called an Examination in Public. To follow the progress of the Local Plan please visit https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/localplan and register for email updates at https://sandwell.oc2.uk/register/process/0 

Residents and community groups were asked for their views on our Mobility Scooter Policy, which is being revised. The policy sets out the council’s approach to promoting the use and safe storage of mobility scooters within the council’s communal spaces.

This public consultation has provided an opportunity to engage with our residents and community groups, helping us to make the best possible decisions it comes to the management of mobility scooter usage and storage, protecting the health and safety of all residents living in our accommodation, as well as staff and visitors.

In total, 17 responses were captured by the online public consultation. One more response was captured via phone and inputted into the online consultation.

Support across the questions was reasonably high, with respondents tending to either agree or strongly agree with the aims of the policy. The average agreement was 73%, showing a good level of support for the Mobility Scooter Policy overall.

Responses have been carefully considered by the council and a consultation report has been produced. A copy of the report can be downloaded below.

The consultation highlighted a number of additional suggestions which the council have been considered and adopted into the final version of Sandwell Council’s Mobility Scooter Policy. These recommendations will inform our management process for mobility scooters within low- and high-rise flats going forward.

As a result of the feedback given by our residents, we are now working on policy focusing on the safe use and storage of e-bikes and e-scooters in council-owned accommodation and public spaces. A consultation for this policy will be available in the near future.

We asked residents to share their views on their local open spaces including parks and gardens, sports facilities, spaces for nature, play spaces, allotments and community gardens.

Almost 800 people responded to the survey and provided their views on which open spaces they like to visit, the quality of these open spaces and how they could be improved in the future.

The results of the survey will inform the preparation of the new Sandwell Local Plan and the ongoing maintenance and investment programme of works for open spaces.

https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/localplan

https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/parks-green-spaces/green-spaces

One lucky respondent from each of the borough’s six towns has been informed that they have won a £25 shopping voucher in the prize drawer.

Between Monday 7 May 2024 and 11 June 2024 feedback was sought from individuals, businesses and local organisations on the proposed Wednesbury Town Centre Masterplan. Thank you to all respondents who took the time to provide us with feedback either through completing a survey or talking to us at the in-person event or workshops.

The consultation received 42 responses online as well as 8 submitted paper copies in addition to a range of comments from the in-person events and workshops with 7 community groups and Wood Green Sixth Form students. Further information was circulated informing residents, businesses and organisations about the consultation, such as through:

• Printed leaflets
• Paper copies of the questionnaire
• Council social media posts
• The Sandwell Consultation Hub online survey
• One in-person event in the town centre on 14^th May at Wednesbury Library
• Existing stakeholder/community contacts and networks 

62% of respondents to the online consultation agreed with the vision for the masterplan compared to 26% who disagreed. 66% agreed with the aims for Wednesbury town centre. 14% disagreed.

Creating a welcoming and inclusive town centre was considered the most important of the stated aims of the masterplan, followed by creating a consolidated and strengthened retail offer, and creating a well-connected place.

Comments typically referred to the need to support local shops and businesses and that new residents would increase footfall in the town. A number of respondents recognised the positive impact more residents would have on safety and high street viability as well as potentially providing the opportunity for increased opening hours for businesses and a more diverse nighttime economy.

74% of respondents supported improved pedestrian crossings at Holyhead Road, High Bullen and Dudley Street compared to 12% who did not.

64% of respondents support reducing traffic congestion in the town centre compared to 12% who do not. 20% of respondents said they were unsure whether they supported reducing traffic congestion.

Regarding the proposed development sites, generally (64%) respondents were supportive of new homes in the town centre compared with 10% being unsupportive. Commenters stressed the need for a variety of different types of homes and there were responses that raised concerns about both insufficient parking as well as over provision contributing to wasted spaces in highly accessible and sustainable locations.

Union Yard and Upper High Street were considered by respondents to be the highest priority development sites for delivery followed by High Bullen and Victoria Street with a number of comments suggesting that the indicative development on a number of sites did not provide enough homes in those locations.

52% of respondents support the key development principles of the High Bullen site compared to 12% who do not.

56% of respondents support the key development principles of the Union Yard site compared to 10% who do not.

72% of respondents support the promotion of building enhancements to improve energy efficiency compared to 10% who do not. There was also considerable support for promoting high standards of sustainability in new buildings where SMBC and partners have additional influence (76%).

A number of respondents were unclear as to what the proposed Net Zero Neighbourhood entails and would like to see additional detail. The proposals and the wording of the section has subsequently been made more accessible with clear examples included.

Options to increase the potential number of homes on the indicative development sites will be explored with partners at delivery stage.

Options are being explored to utilise funding to improve the appearance of shop fronts in the town centre reflecting the general feeling that many are in states of disrepair or considered unappealing.

Detailed design work and engagement with Sandwell Council Highways will be undertaken before any decisions on changes to traffic movements are made.

New CCTV has been installed on Union Street and proposals have been revised ensure its full visibility. As part of the public realm improvements to Union Street, lighting lanterns are being installed that both better respect the town’s heritage and will improve the sense of safety on the street in the evening.

Concerns were raised on the availability and cost of parking and public toilets in in the town centre. Newly installed wayfinding signage will provide directions to town centre car parks and the public toilet adjacent to Wednesbury Bus Station.

Concerns were raised regarding the moving of the outdoor market back to Market Place. The Council will continue to advertise the market stalls for commercial and community use. Improvements in the town will help to attract more events and traders.

The Department for Education Statutory Guidance for School Organisation regulations: ‘Making significant changes (‘prescribed alterations’) to maintained schools’ and The School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013 requires that when the Local Authority is proposing a significant alteration, i.e., a change to the age range, it must consult upon the proposal and make a formal decision to make the alteration permanent. 

Public consultation is in accordance with the statutory guidance produced by the Department for Education whereby ‘LAs can propose a change of age range of 1 year or more for community schools (including the adding or removal of nursery provision) by following the statutory process set out in the regulations’.

As an integral part of this process, residents were invitied you to take part in the consultation for the change of age range at Highfields Primary School from 3-11years to 5 - 11 years.  

Objection 1: “I understand a deficit of money is the primary reason for closure of Highfields Primary Nursery setting, however as the number of pupils suggest who attended in the previous year it’s clear you have enough pupils to attend 1 session rather than running 2 sessions per day.

Attending a school nursery setting is so vital to the child. The transition to reception makes it so much smoother if the child has already been in attendance at the school, the child will be less nervous and show more confidence having that experience and familiarisation of the building, teachers faces, routine etc. The early years are the most important part to get them ready for when the child attends school full time. It is the foundation of school life!

As a parent of an older child and one about to start nursery in September, I am extremely anxious about where my daughter will attend after having a very poor experience using a private nursery setting for my eldest. Regardless that private nurseries follow the EYFS it just isn’t the same! A school setting has that support network within the school, more structure than that of a private nursery. A lot of local private nurseries around Highfields are also asking parents for cost towards fees (even if they are entitled to government free childcare scheme) they say the government payment doesn’t cover the cost of the nursery and will also charge parents for their child’s lunch with no option of providing your own so you have to pay it! No private nursery allows your child to attend for 3 hours per day, you have to send your child to nursery which fits there schedule and not what is best for the child.”

Objection 2: “I currently have 1 child attending the school and 1 who we would love to attend the school. I went to the school myself and had a great experience and my boy is currently experiencing the same.

My youngest would hugely benefit from the provision that is being proposed to be shut down.

I’m currently looking at another school for her to attend but logistically it’s not feasible for this to happen, I would have to hugely rearrange my working conditions for this to happen and I fear it would put a huge financial strain on my young family.”

Objection 3: “I currently have an older child at Highfield Primary School with my younger child due to start nursery next year.  If there is no nursery at Highfields, the next school based nursery is Blackheath Primary School which is driving distance from our home.  This means we are logistically unable to get two children to two different schools for the same time each day, because of this if we do want our younger child to start nursery we would have no other choice but to consider private nurseries in the area.”

Three written objections to the proposed closure of the school’s Nursery from a potential cohort of parents / carers of 60 children that the Nursery has capacity to provide for each academic year is a very small representation to the proposal. 

The proposed closure is not purely based on the grounds of finance, but the reducing number of applications for nursery places over recent years.  The school’s management have advised that there was little demand for places for this academic year. 

Prospective demand for nursery places is extremely low which has rendered the school’s Early Years offer to be unsustainable to staff and resource, and not providing value for money.

Following the significant and unprecedented birth rate boom from 2008/09, and the subsequent demand that brought upon pupil capacity in schools with the need to expand the school building estate, current pupil projections do indicate the school population now continuing to reduce.  With the closure of the Nursery class at Highfields Primary School a number of school based and private nursery’s continue to operate within the local area offering alternative provision for young children and their families.

There are currently no further proposals to close any school-based Nursery’s within the Rowley Regis area.

For the reasons detailed in response to the three objections made, it is considered that these are not strong enough grounds to revoke the Statutory Proposal, and that the Cabinet Member has approve the recommendation to make the prescribed alteration at Highfields Primary School.

Between Monday 29th January 2024 and 11th March 2024 feedback was sought from individuals, businesses and local organisations on the Wednesbury Town Centre Public Realm and Urban Greening proposals. Thank you to all respondents who took the time to provide us with feedback either through completing a survey or talking to us at the in-person events or workshops. 

The project aims to: 

1. Create safe, lively and welcoming public spaces whilst promoting active and sustainable travel via walking, wheeling and cycling. 

2. Encourage better use of public spaces with more seating and spaces to relax. 

3. Promote biodiversity and greening to contribute to the health and wellbeing of people and to help protect against a changing climate.      

A total of 147 responses were received online as well as a further 138 comments from the in-person events and workshops. One email was received with comments. Further information was circulated informing residents, businesses and organisations about the consultation, such as through: 

• Printed leaflets 

• Paper copies of the questionnaire 

• Council social media posts 

• Sandwell Consultation Hub online survey 

• Two in-person events in the town centre – Tuesday 13th and Saturday 17th February 2024 

• Four workshops with community groups  

• 67% of respondents liked or really liked the proposed changes to the tram stop arrival space compared to 9% who disliked or really disliked them. 
• 57% of respondents liked or really liked the proposed changes to Victoria Street compared to 20% who disliked or really disliked them. 
• 64% of respondents liked or really liked the proposed changes to Holyhead Road compared to 15% who liked or really disliked them. 
• 50% of respondents liked or really liked ‘Ethelfleda Square’ as the proposed name for the revitalised public space outside Wednesbury Bus Station compared to 18% who disliked or really disliked it. A number of alternative names were put forward which can be found in the Consultation Report. 
• 72% of respondents liked or really liked the proposals for ‘Ethelfleda Square’ compared to 11% who disliked or really disliked them. 
• 61% of respondents liked or really liked the proposed changes to Union Street compared to 20% who disliked or really disliked them. 

Concerns were raised about anti-social behaviour and feeling unsafe when visiting the town centre, particularly in the evenings. This was reflected in the final ranking of priorities for interventions in the town centre which identified better lighting and more CCTV as the highest priorities. This was followed by improvements to the appearance of the town centre and interventions which are aimed at changing how people use public spaces in the town, encouraging more activity and greater footfall. 

Respondents were supportive of the ambitions to introduce more greenery and places to sit, relax and socialise in the town centre but also stressed the need to find ways to improve the appearance of buildings in the town as well as the spaces between them. 

A number of respondents wished to see more events in the town centre and to ensure that public spaces are flexible enough to accommodate them.

The results of the consultation have subsequently informed the proposals in the Wednesbury Town Centre Masterplan.  

The detailed design work on the public realm improvements has incorporated suggestions from the consultation process, such as ensuring seating includes armrests.  

Further conversations have been held with businesses on Union Street to ensure that the placement of street furniture and new trees align with their preferences.  

New CCTV has been installed on Union Street and proposals have been revised ensure full visibility of the town centre. As part of the public realm improvements to Union Street, lighting lanterns are being installed that both better respect the town’s heritage and will improve the sense of safety on the street in the evening.  

New bins are to be installed to combat littering and new benches and chairs – in a variety of arrangements to encourage different interactions between users – are being introduced in the town centre’s main pedestrian spaces. 

The Department for Education Statutory Guidance for School Organisation regulations: ‘Making significant changes (‘prescribed alterations’) to maintained schools’ and The School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013 requires that when the Local Authority is proposing a significant alteration, i.e., a change to the age range, it must consult upon the proposal and make a formal decision to make the alteration permanent. The LA asked for your views on the statutory proposals to lower the age range of Moat Farm Infant School from 2 – 7 years to 0 – 7 years.

38 representations to the Statutory Proposal were received.  5 of those responses objected to the change of age range.  2 responders provided the following comments;

Objection: Teaching staff; “We do not have the facilities to cater to below 2 years of age. We cater for a small number of 2 year old children. As our Nursery is not big enough or facilitated to cater to very young children.”

Position: Moat Farm Infant School Nursery caters for 2-5 year old children in a small nursery block.  The change to the age range of Moat Farm Infant School is to incorporate the children attending Lavender Farm Day Nursery which currently caters for children from six weeks to 5 years in a separate building.  These children will continue to use the facilities at Lavender Farm Day Nursery.  There are no re-organisational changes expected as a result of the change in age range proposal.

Objection: Resident; “If it’s not broken it doesn’t need fixing, the shack up & change will be disturbing, is it really necessary. You will then need to change the juniors!”

Position: As a maintained Local Authority school, the Governing Body have been able to run Lavender Farm Day Nursery using its community powers in addition to operating its own school nursery.  When the school converts to academy status the Governing Body will no longer have those powers.  Changing the school’s age range to include the children attending Lavender Farm Day Nursery will enable the Governing Body to continue to run this nursery and the school nursery.  Children will continue to attend nursery in the same way as they currently do.  The number of children being admitted into Reception at the school is not being increased, therefore there will not be a need to change the admission number for the Junior School.

On 13 September 2023 Cabinet approved the recommendation to publish the Statutory Proposal for the change of age range at Moat Farm Infant School from 2-7 years to 0-7 years old.  Decision No.102/23(1) b., gave approval to the Director of Children’s Services and Education to make a final decision on the proposal for the prescribed alteration at the school, subject to no objections being raised during the statutory representation period for the Statutory Proposal.  In the event that any objections were raised during the statutory representation period, Decision No.102/23(1) c., requires a report is submitted to the Cabinet Member, with full details of representations received to inform a final decision on the proposal.

A report was presented to the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education on 14 November 2023 and approval was given to make the prescribed alternations for the school.  Decisions taken by the Cabinet Member can be found on the council's website; https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/council/modern-gov.

Your thoughts on the proposals for an upgraded section of cycle track between Dudley Port Railway Station and Great Bridge along the A461.

This follows the receipt of funding from the Department for Transport, called the Active Travel Fund, as part of the Government’s announcement in November 2020 to invest in high-quality cycling and walking infrastructure across England to make local journeys safer for all.

We have objections to said proposal in some quarters

Following the recent consultation held for the proposals for improved pedestrian and cycle facilities, including an upgraded section of cycle track between Dudley Port Railway Station and Great Bridge along the A461 a Decision Making Session was held with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways to consider objections. There were no further representations from members of the public or local ward members and the decision was taken to proceed with the proposals.

Construction works are scheduled for January 2024 to summer 2024.

Residents and community groups were asked for their views on the Sandwell Borough of Sanctuary Strategy. The strategy has been developed by the council, residents and local organisations that form Sandwell’s Borough of Sanctuary Partnership. The strategy sets out the partnership’s commitments to welcoming and integrating individuals and families who arrive in Sandwell.

The public consultation provided an opportunity to strengthen the partnership’s understanding of ‘what welcome means’ to our residents and community groups and what respondents feel our priorities should be as a partnership.

Residents and community groups had the opportunity to input into the strategy and engage in the development of the partnership through an online consultation and in-person workshop and focus group events.

In total 67 responses were captured by the online public consultation, with a small handful of paper copies being completed that were later inputted into the online response.

Support across all questions was fairly high, with respondents either tending to agree or strongly agree with the priorities of the partnership. The average agreement was 63%, demonstrating a reasonable level of support for the Sandwell Borough of Sanctuary Strategy overall.

Responses have been carefully considered by the council and a consultation report has been produced. A copy of the report can be downloaded below.

The consultation highlighted a number of additional suggestions which have been considered and adopted in the final version of the Sandwell Borough of Sanctuary Strategy. A copy of the strategy can be downloaded here. 

We are pleased to announce Sandwell has officially been awarded Council of Sanctuary status by the City of Sanctuary movement. The award celebrates Sandwell’s commitment to providing a welcoming place of safety for people who are asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants. The award recognises the commitment that Sandwell Council, residents, and local community groups have made to delivering our joint strategy together as equal partners.

A sub-group of the Sandwell Borough of Sanctuary Partnership will deliver and monitor the strategy and its subsequent action plan. For more information and to find out how to be involved please visit https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/supporting-sandwell/borough-sanctuary