Stourbridge masterplan is set to be submitted

A masterplan of improvements to create more homes and bring new business into Stourbridge will be submitted to the government early next year, it has been revealed.

It aims to improve pedestrian access to the town centre, to create green open space along the River Stour and to de-culvert the waterway. New pathways would be created and nature conservation work carried out, with homes built within the river corridor north of the town. It also includes plans for entertainment and leisure facilities on Canal Street.

Measures will also be introduced in a bid to make the town centre more attractive.

Dudley Council has drawn up the Stourbridge Area Action Plan to guide developments and investment in the town up to 2026.

The document was approved for publication by Dudley Council in March but had to be revised after new planning guidelines were released by the government.

Members of the Cabinet will approve the new version of the plan at a meeting to be held tonight which will then go out to a six-week consultation to start on October 1.

Once this has been completed on November 12 the document will be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in early 2013 and will be subject to public scrutiny in the summer.

If approved, the plan would then be adopted in winter 2013.

In a report to the Cabinet, director of urban environment John Millar said: "The plan will set the detailed framework for the development.

"It will seek to ensure sufficient homes, shops, educational and social facilities are planned and provided to meet the needs of communities."