Dudley Council has incurred expenses exceeding £600,000 for a local plan designed to guide housing and development until 2041—only for the plan to become outdated as soon as it is adopted.
At a cabinet meeting on June 11, council members reviewed and voted in favor of recommending the plan’s adoption. However, recent shifts in government housing targets for Dudley mean that the plan no longer aligns with current requirements.
Reform UK councillor Sat Sherwani questioned council leaders about the total cost of preparing the plan. In response, Dudley Council leader Cllr Patrick Harley explained that the £608,365 expenditure—spanning evidence gathering, public consultation, and independent examination over three financial years—was necessary to fulfill the council’s legal duty to maintain an up-to-date local plan. He emphasized that these costs are typical among local authorities nationwide.
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Following a public inquiry, a planning inspector recommended several modifications to ensure the plan’s legal compliance and soundness. Cllr Harley noted that these “main modifications” are a standard part of the independent planning process, which helps maintain the integrity and legality of the plan.
The cabinet has also approved initiating the next local plan with an estimated budget of £544,000 over the next two years. So far, the council has secured £108,000 from the government’s Local Plan Implementation Fund and retains £61,000 from a £70,000 grant allocated for green belt and landscape assessments in 2025.
Cllr Harley assured that the council is managing estimated costs prudently, leveraging existing evidence, and maximizing available funds to ensure efficient plan delivery. The council remains committed to responsible resource management throughout the ongoing planning process.
Residents can stay informed about planning applications, road changes, traffic diversions, and license applications by visiting the Public Notices Portal.