Neither authority satisfactorily reflected the principles on spatial planning. The Inspectors considered the strategies were unclear and lacked a firm evidence base.
Key messages for authorities preparing documents are:
- an up-to-date and robust evidence base is essential;
- realistic alternative options must be properly considered at an early stage;
- the plan must be spatial – with clear links with the community strategy and other plans;
- plans should be sufficiently flexible to be able to respond to changing circumstances; and
- monitoring and implementation frameworks must be clearly set out and delivery mechanisms agreed with relevant bodies.
The Government Office for the West Midlands is working with authorities across the region to support them in delivering sound plans.
