DUDLEY Council chiefs have vowed to protect the borough’s green belt as plans to identify land across the region for development gathers pace.

The Black Country Core Strategy, which aims to pinpoint key areas of land for employment and housing, is set to go before the council’s cabinet next week – outlining the next stages of the study.

It includes working with neighbouring councils to identify land within the existing urban area with the potential for development.

But council bosses said they will stick to their ‘brownfield first’ approach to “leave no stone unturned” in identifying brownfield sites to develop for housing and business, in order to help protect the borough’s greenspaces.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said: “The studies that will be commissioned are a very important piece of work in shaping future location for housing and employment uses for the next generation of Black Country residents.

“Critically, we need to do everything we can to protect the greenbelt in Dudley borough.

“That is why I have made it very clear that we need to leave no stone unturned in making sure we look at every aspect of brownfield sites.

“Our brownfield first approach will not only make sure that Dudley plays a big part in shaping the future of housing and the growth of businesses in the Black Country, but at the same time we make sure we do everything we can to protect as much of the borough’s greenspaces as far as we possibly can.”

During the ‘Issues and Options’ consultation at the end of last year, more than 1,600 people gave on their views on housing, employment, business, and health and wellbeing.

Interested parties have the opportunity to have their say at several stages as the plans develop, including a public inquiry which is held when all relevant evidence has been collected and all views considered.

Once adopted, the strategy will outline where new homes and businesses should be built in the four Black Country boroughs to 2036.