Issue details - Friar Park Consultation
The Friar Park Redevelopment Project is on a
site of approximately 26 hectares in the north of Sandwell, close
to its border with Walsall. It is in
dual ownership with the Council owning approximately 14 hectares
and the other 12 hectares (approximately) owned by WMCA.
The site is predominantly allocated for residential use in the Site
Allocations and Delivery Development Plan.
Friar Park is an area with high levels of deprivation and
represents a significant opportunity for SMBC to deliver
high-quality, affordable and efficient homes that would have a
transformational impact on the area.
In June 2019 SMBC Cabinet approved a formal Joint Venture agreement
between SMBC and WMCA to collaboratively deliver the project, given
their significant land holding across the site.
A masterplanning process began in 2020 which aims to provide an
aspirational vision for the site in consultation with local
residents and stakeholders. Community consultation took place in
mid-2021 and a number of options were considered and commented upon
by the community.
In November 2021, the Friar Park Project board, attended by senior
representatives from both SMBC and WMCA, determined that a
comprehensive approach to land remediation should be delivered
which, in turn, facilitated up to 630 homes. As such, the draft
masterplan aims to deliver c.630 homes, 25% of which are affordable
as per SMBC policy.
Work began on the second phase of the draft masterplan in May 2022.
This aims to develop the scheme in more detail, followed by further
consultation with the local community and key stakeholders which is
currently planned for a start in November 2022 and will complete in
December 2022.
The draft Masterplan was presented to the Project Board on16/09/22.
It was positively received, and approval was given to proceed with
public consultation, subject to SMBC internal and political
approval.
It should be noted that the draft masterplan proposes a net
increase in the amount of open space that would be accessible to
residents.
Proposed Process
Subject to approval, a 6-week consultation period is proposed,
which aligns with the Council’s consultation commitment
within the Statement of Community Intent.
Following this period of community consultation, amendments will be
made to the document based on the feedback received. Following
amendments the final version of the Masterplan will be presented to
Cabinet in Q1 2023 for approval, upon which the document will
become a material planning consideration for any future planning
applications on the site.
Scrutiny Chair has been briefed on the proposed approach on
24/10/22.
The proposed timeline is outlined below:
24th October 2022 - Scrutiny Chair briefing (informal).
26th October 2022- Leader briefing (informal).
31st October 2022 - Delegated Decision of Cabinet Member to
commence a 6-week period of public consultation from 3rd November
2022.
2nd November 2022 - Key stakeholder meeting.
7th November 2022 - Start of public consultation.
16th December 2022 - End of public consultation.
January 2022 - Refine Masterplan based on consultation to create
final draft version.
Q1 2023 - Submit final Masterplan to Cabinet for endorsement.
Friar Park Draft Masterplan Document
The Masterplan document itself aims to develop and agree the
preferred development approach. It will set a shared vision for the
site informed by the aspirations of SMBC, WMCA and local
residents/stakeholders. It will also clearly define the
site’s key challenges and opportunities.
The Masterplan is cantered on 6 core principles:
• A people focused, friendly and, engaged community- A place
that delivers a true sense of community where people feel part of
its present and future, fostering community ownership of the
place.
• A place full of possibilities- A growing community that
offers quality of life and opportunities for all generations to
live for generations.
• A friendly, welcoming and, connected community- A place
where people know their neighbours and feel connected with, the
existing neighbourhood.
• A beautiful, imaginative and unique place- Use of high
quality and innovative design and use of materials to deliver a
high quality of life and a unique identity.
• A green and natural place- An attractive, multi- functional
landscape which lets nature thrive alongside its community.
• A sustainable, active and healthy place- A place that
minimises its impact on the environment, providing a place which is
resilient to change and encourages a healthy and engaged
lifestyle.
Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 28/11/2022
Decision due: 28 Oct 2022 by Cabinet Member for Regeneration and WMCA
Lead director: Director Regeneration and Growth
Contact: Tammy Stokes, Director of Regeneration and Growth Email: tammy_stokes@sandwell.gov.uk.
Implications: Resources: Minimal additional resource implications. Community consultation will require officer time outside of normal working hours. Legal and Governance: Legal: project is jointly delivered with the WMCA as part of formal Joint Venture Agreement. WMCA are engaged with the project through the JV Forum Group. Governance: Key decisions managed through the existing SMBC governance structure (where required) and JV Forum Group. Risk: The project is highly sensitive and there is a reputational risk to the Council if communications are not handled in a sensitive manner. Equality: Provision will be made to ensure that community consultation is accessible to all. Health and Wellbeing: None for proposed recommendations. The wider development project has significant, positive implications for health and wellbeing through the delivery of new aspirational homes. Social Value: Social value implications will be considered in line with Council policy. Where there is a future compe