Black Country Garden City: Bill Etheridge questions 'anti-democratic' plans
A West Midlands MEP has demanded clarity over what he calls 'anti-democratic' plans for a Black Country Garden City.
The scheme, which is the biggest of its kind since the Second World War, could see 45,000 new homes built over the next decade on land covering 31 urban areas, from Aldridge to West Bromwich.
But UKIP's Bill Etheridge has raised concerns over the scheme removing the 'distinctive individuality' of the Black Country's towns, while he has accused planners of attempting to force through 'a combined Birmingham and Black Country authority'.
"Has anyone voted on this scheme and has there been any consultation on this blueprint for the Black Country?" asked Mr Etheridge, who is also a member of the EU's Regional Development Committee.
"If not, so much for democracy and the views of the public.
"I am also deeply concerned that the creation of this new 'Albion' will remove the distinctive individuality from Black Country towns.
"I would also like to question whether council leaders across the Black Country knew all about this before attempting to railroad through plans to create a combined Birmingham and Black Country authority."
The development is being led by the Black Country LEP and the Homes and Communities Agency, with the support of the Department for Communities and Local Government.
Representatives from the region are now seeking £6 billion in investment across 550 sites. They will set out their plans to potential investors at the annual MIPIM property festival in Cannes this week.
Backers of the Garden City say it would boost the local economy by £18 billion over 10 years and could be a magnet for investment into the region's automotive, aerospace and construction sectors.
