The next Sandwell Local Plan - Sandwell Local Plan 2 (2026 - 2044) (SLP 2)
The Government requires us to update our local plan to respond to their reforms to the planning system intended to increase the delivery of new homes and support economic growth.
The new local plan will be prepared under a new national system for plan-making. The government has made big changes to how local plans are put together. Their aim is to make the process faster, simpler and to give communities more chances to get involved.
The next Local Plan will:
- Set out the vision, objectives and spatial strategy for Sandwell
- Establish planning policies and site allocations to guide development
- Identify how future needs for homes, jobs, infrastructure and services will be met
- Protect and enhance the borough’s natural, built and historic environment
Scope of the Local Plan
The Sandwell Local Plan 2 (2026 - 2044) will include:
- Strategic and non-strategic planning policies
- Site allocations for development
- A spatial strategy for growth and regeneration
The Local Plan will not cover matters that are the responsibility of other authorities (for example, where these are prepared jointly or separately, if applicable).
Why has Sandwell Council begun work on another new Local Plan?
In the past Sandwell Council has worked with the other Black Country Authorities to prepare a Local Plan for the whole sub-region called the Black Country Plan. However, an agreement could not be reached on the approach to planning for future development needs across the sub-region.
Sandwell Council began work on a new Local Plan straight away. We used relevant evidence from the collapsed Black Country Plan and prepared policies and site allocations that responded to the specific needs of our borough. The Sandwell Local Plan was finalised and sent to the Planning Inspectorate for examination in late 2024. The examination is almost concluded, however resourcing issues within the Planning Inspectorate has delayed the publication of their final report. The Council is unable to adopt the Sandwell Local Plan as policy until the final report is received.
Meanwhile, the Government has instructed Sandwell Council (as well as around 40 other councils) to start work on a new-style Local Plan now. Sandwell has been chosen as one of the frontrunners because of the particular challenge of building enough homes in our borough to meet the needs of residents. The Sandwell Local Plan 2 will be shorter, clearer, and more digital. It will be prepared in no more than three years following a streamlined approach introduced by the new Government in 2024.
Get involved
We want residents, businesses and stakeholders to help shape the future of Sandwell.
Opportunities to get involved will include:
- Public consultations
- Online engagement
- Workshops and events (where appropriate)
Further details will be published on this page and the planing policy webpages.
Contact us
For more information about the Sandwell Local Plan 2 (2026 - 2044)
Email: LDF_Planning@sandwell.gov.uk or Sandwell_LocalPlan@sandwell.gov.uk
Telephone: 0121 569 4054
Post: Planning Policy, Sandwell MBC, Council House, Freeth Street, Oldbury, B69 3DE