The publication Walsall Borough Local Plan takes into consideration the representations made about the previous issues and preferred options version of the Local Plan at the end of 2025. 

From the 14 September 2026, residents and businesses can have their say on whether they believe the Local Plan has been prepared correctly and whether it meets the national tests required for approval.

“ The Local Plan is about planning for the future of our borough, supporting jobs, investment, regeneration and infrastructure, while protecting our heritage and green spaces.

Council’s must have a Local Plan and seek to meet government housing targets. Without one, we risk losing control over where development takes place.

We have taken a brownfield-first approach, but previously developed land can only deliver around a quarter of the housing we are required to plan for. As a result, the draft Plan includes some Green Belt land, although this is not a step we would take if realistic alternatives existed.

The Plan also includes measures to protect communities, including controls on HMOs and children's care homes, and proposals for a Community Infrastructure Levy so developers contribute towards local improvements.

We know people will have different views, which is why we are encouraging everyone to take part in the Regulation 19 consultation. Feedback is vital in helping us shape a plan that balances national requirements with the needs of local residents, businesses and communities. “

Once the Regulation 19 consultation closes, the Council will decide whether the Local Plan should be submitted for an independent examination by the Planning Inspectorate, who will consider the representations received alongside the council’s evidence. 

The consultation on the publication Local Plan is focused on whether it has been prepared correctly and is ‘sound’. Any changes would be subject to the Inspector’s review and recommendations. The sites identified in this version of the Walsall Borough Local Plan are considered to be the most appropriate to help meet our requirements for housing and other land uses. 

Consultation opens on Monday 14 September 2026 and runs for 6 weeks. As well as being able to review the plan and provide feedback online, there will be a number of meetings that residents can attend both in person and online, details of these will be available in due course. For more information visit the Commonplace Page.