Scoping Consultation
Notice of Scoping Consultation
The Notice of Scoping Consultation marks the beginning of the first formal stage in preparing the Local Plan under the Government's new plan-making system.
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council is publishing this notice to formally commence the Local Plan Scoping Consultation for the new plan titled ‘Sandwell Local Plan 2 (2026 - 2044)’. The consultation opens on Monday 27th July 2026 and closes at 5pm on Friday 11th September 2026.
The Notice of Scoping Consultation is available for viewing below.
This notice has been made available from 27th July 2026.
Scoping Consultation
The Council is inviting representations from residents, businesses, landowners, developers, community organisations, infrastructure providers, statutory consultees and other interested stakeholders. In accordance with Regulation 20 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026, the Council is seeking views on:
- Matters relevant to the preparation of the Sandwell Local Plan, including what the Plan should contain.
- The key challenges, opportunities and priorities facing Sandwell.
- The approach that should be taken to future growth and development across the borough.
- How the Council should engage with communities, organisations and stakeholders during the preparation of the Local Plan.
Have Your Say
We need your views on whether we should be looking at various topics as part of the Sandwell Local Plan 2 (2026 – 2044). We also want to know what you think about new development, and what factors you think will be important to consider when deciding where new development should be located. You can also use our ‘Call for Sites’ consultation to let us know about any areas of land or buildings that you think might potentially be suitable for development in the future.
Key Issues/Considerations
- Accessibility
- Local needs
- Availability of land for (re)development
- Potential for wider benefits
- Green Belt
- Flood risk
- Current land use
- Local character
- Infrastructure capacity
- Blue and green infrastructure and biodiversity
- Existing planning designations
- Climate change
How to Respond
The Council is inviting comments on the Sandwell Local Plan Scoping Document.
You can view the document and submit representations via the Sandwell Council's Citizen Space consultation portal.
Sandwell Council - Citizen Space
Paper copies of the consultation document and response form will also be made available at the Sandwell Council House Library during normal opening hours.
Additional Documents
The documents below are available for viewing.
What Happens Next?
All representations received during the consultation period will be considered and will help shape the next stage of Local Plan preparation.
Following this consultation, the Council will prepare evidence, undertake further engagement and publish the next stage of the Local Plan in accordance with the statutory plan-making process.
Key Baseline Information
Sandwell - Spatial Strategy
Sandwell’s Spatial Strategy will identify what level and type of development will be needed in the borough to ensure that it can continue to provide new housing, jobs and infrastructure for its residents – where this development should be located, what additional services and facilities people need, and how people’s environments can be improved.
Total population of Sandwell (2024 mid-year estimate, ONS) – 353,860
Housing in Sandwell
There is a need for more housing in Sandwell, and we need to explore every opportunity for providing it. We need affordable housing as well as market housing for sale and rent, and specialist housing for members of the community with special requirements.
Source: Local Plan Housing Topic Paper, 2025 Source: 2021 Census Data
Dwelling types 2021
Source: 2021 Census Data
Source: 2021 Census Data
Employment in Sandwell
Sandwell has always been at the heart of British industry and manufacturing and remains a significant focus for employment. We need to understand what the current and future demands will be for land suitable to provide for both current and future employment needs. This will include advanced manufacturing, logistics and health and social care, all of which are and remain significant sectors for employment in the borough.
Source: Sandwell Employment Data, 2025
Source: Sandwell Employment Data, 2025
These sectors account for 63.2% of all jobs in Sandwell.
Town centres in Sandwell
The role of town centres has changed over recent years, with this change accelerating following the pandemic. Their traditional focus on retailing has been impacted by things like online shopping and main town centre uses such as pubs are also struggling to retain their status as the traditional focus of the nighttime economy. Planning policies will need to reflect these changes and inform how we react to them. The figure below shows the trajectory for online vs in-person shopping based on national trends.
Waste Processing in Sandwell
We need to plan for the processing of waste in Sandwell in a way that minimises the impact on the environment and local communities.
Source: Sandwell Waste Data, 2021 Source: Sandwell Waste Data, 2021
Source: Sandwell Waste Data, 2021
Transport in Sandwell
Increasing active travel in Sandwell, including walking and cycling, will help both to manage road traffic and to provide opportunities to improve the health of local communities. Use of public transport will also help with congestion and air quality, which is improving over time.
Source: Sandwell Transportation Data, 2026
Environmental Issues in Sandwell
Sandwell contains areas of wildlife, landscape and historic interest throughout its area. These include Sandwell Valley, the Rowley Hills, conservation areas and listed buildings and sites with nature conservation and geological significance. The Council has always sought to protect these areas and designations from inappropriate or damaging development.
Source: Sandwell Tree Strategy, 2024 Source: Sandwell HER Data, 2026
Source: Sandwell Parks and Green Spaces, 2026 Source: Green Space Strategy, 2025