Black Country JCS: Joined-up vision proving critial
A JOINED up vision for the development and regeneration of the Black Country is proving to be a critical document.
The Black Country Joint Core Strategy (JCS), produced by local authorities in Walsall, Wolverhampton, Dudley and Sandwell, is laying out a clear vision for businesses interested in development in the Black Country.
Having been formally endorsed by the government, it is giving developers strategic clarity for investment, and showcases the sub-region as a whole.
The JCS sets out an ambitious vision for the development of the Black Country over the next 15 years, including pro growth plans for 63,000 new homes and 1,000 hectares of commercial development.
The strategy is focused on 16 regeneration corridors and four strategic centres as the basis for developing sustainable communities and promoting economic growth and restructuring.
The implementation of the JCS is a priority of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and the continuing commitment to sub-regional co-ordination is clear in the newly awarded Enterprise Zone.
Simon Eastwood, managing director of Carillion Developments who has been working closely with local authorities on the Business Friendly Planning Charter, said: “The certainty and clarity the JCS gives the Black Country, in conjunction with their commitment to business friendly planning, will provide the environment required by investors to stimulate economic growth in the sub-region.”
In December, the Coalition Government’s much debated National Planning Policy Framework is expected to be adopted.
Laura Shoaf, head of strategic planning and implementation at the Black Country Consortium, said: “The NPPF puts a further emphasis on the importance of having an up-to-date local plan and, with only around 30% of local authorities having core strategies in place, the Black Country is in a strong position to continue to attract investment and development.
Specific investment, development and regeneration opportunities will also be showcased by officers from all four councils at a special free event on September 29 in West Bromwich. For more details and to register click through here.
