Sandwell Local Plan 2 (2026 - 2044)

Notice of Intention to Commence Local Plan Preparation

Sandwell Local Plan 2 (2026 - 2044)  – Notice of Intention to Commence

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council gives notice of its intention to commence the preparation of a new Local Plan, in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026 (Regulation 19), Part 4, Regulation 19. 

Purpose of this notice

This notice is to inform residents, businesses, stakeholders and statutory consultees that the Council intends to begin preparing a new Local Plan for Sandwell.

Publishing this notice:

  • Provides advance notification of plan-making activity
  • Ensures communities understand when and how they can get involved
  • Marks the start of the formal plan preparation process
Subject of this notice

This notice relates to the document titled: Sandwell Local Plan 2 (2026 - 2044) (SLP 2).

Publication date 

This notice was published on the 30th June 2026

Plan area

The Local Plan will cover the entire administrative area of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council. 

The boundary for this administrative area is shown in the map below. 

Sandwell local planning authority area map

Start of plan preparation

The Council intends to formally commence preparation of the Sandwell Local Plan following a minimum four-month notification period.

The anticipated start date for the 30-month plan preparation process is: 30th October 2026.

This approach aligns with the new plan-making system, which includes a defined 30‑month preparation timeframe following commencement.

Plan-making timetable

A Local Plan timetable has been published alongside this notice. This sets out:

  • Key stages in the plan-making process
  • Opportunities for consultation and engagement
  • Expected timescales for preparation and adoption

The timetable will be kept under review and updated where necessary.

Early engagement and consultation

As part of the early ‘notification and scoping’ stage, the Council will undertake consultation to gather views on:

  • Key issues and priorities for Sandwell
  • The vision and objectives for the Local Plan
  • How future development should be planned sustainably
  • Evidence required to support the plan
  • How the Council should engage with communities

At this stage:

  • No development sites or preferred options will be proposed
  • Feedback will help shape future stages of the Local Plan

Viewing of documents

This notice and supporting documents are available:

  • Online via the Council’s website (recommended)
  • Paper copies are available on request