Work to start on far reaching blueprint for new homes in the West Midlands

Work is set to start on drawing up a far-reaching planning blueprint setting out where future housing and commercial developments should be built to best drive economic growth across the region.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board today agreed to begin preparing a Spatial Development Strategy that will highlight the best locations to meet future demand for new homes and workplaces.

The strategy will also set out the transport, energy and social infrastructure needed to serve new developments – as well as measures to protect the environment and improve quality of life.

The strategy, which will support Mayor Richard Parker’s forthcoming Growth Plan, is expected to take up to three years to finalise but will guide the region’s future developments for the next 20-30 years.

A draft strategy, shaped by extensive research and input from key organisations across the region, will now be produced by the WMCA and local councils. The draft will then go out to public consultation, most likely in 2027.

The move is in response to a government proposal requiring all major regions to produce a Spatial Development Strategy for their part of the country. It is part of the government’s ambition to deliver 1.5 million new homes before the next general election.

In giving the green light, the WMCA Board was told that a West Midlands Spatial Development Strategy would help deliver a fairer distribution of new housing across a wider area, helping those councils struggling to find enough land to meet standalone housing targets set by government.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said: “This planning blueprint will directly support my forthcoming Growth Plan, with these future developments firing up our economy and unlocking tens of thousands of local jobs.

“But this isn’t just about accelerating economic growth. It’s also about improving people’s quality of life by promoting health, protecting natural habitats and making sure future developments have the transport, energy and social infrastructure needed to create vibrant places to live and work.

“This blueprint will be crafted responsibly and democratically, shaped by close collaboration and public engagement. By working together in this way, we can produce a plan that meets our region’s future housing needs in a manner that is fair and balanced for everyone."

Under the blueprint, local councils will continue to be responsible for detailed planning policy, site allocations and Green Belt boundaries. They will also continue to decide most planning applications.

The strategy will help guide the local plans drawn up by councils by identifying what new infrastructure, such as transport, energy, schools and GP surgeries, is needed to support new developments so they can better drive economic growth and build strong communities.

Areas where protection or restoration of the natural environment is required will also be identified, while housing need will be distributed to the most appropriate locations to help promote climate resilience and improve people’s health.

In giving the green light for work to start on the strategy, the WMCA Board agreed a number of guiding principles for its production. These include its co-development by the WMCA and local councils, and a brownfield first approach to maximise the use of derelict industrial land and reduce pressure on the green belt.