Introduction

The Council will protect and enhance the Borough’s strategically important open spaces.

Over a third of the Borough is open land. Half of this is countryside mainly to the south and west and is designated as Green Belt. Some of this open land takes the form of green wedges which penetrate the borough and have particular value because of their location, their landscape and their function. This is recognised in Regional Planning Guidance. The rest is contained within the urban area and consists of a number of linked open areas and corridors designated as Linear Open Spaces as well as a network of formal parks.

The Green Belt and Linear Open Spaces provide a unique and precious asset. This is not just because of their landscape value but also their recreational value and value for wildlife. In particular the Linear Open Spaces provide important corridors for wildlife. In addition the Green Belt makes an important contribution to the landscape character of the area.

The dramatic topography of the Borough lends itself particularly to many different views and of prominent skylines and landmarks. These are visible from within the Borough, from neighbouring areas of the Black Country and Birmingham as well as from the countryside to the south and west. These make an important contribution to the distinctive visual character of the Borough. Indeed many of the Borough’s landscapes are of particular value for their ecological, historical and/or scenic qualities and benefit from special protection set out in the Historic Environment Section of this Plan.

The extensive network of formal parks is a cornerstone of the open space network within the urban area and provides for a variety of functions including formal and informal activities. The Plan will protect an appropriate distribution and range of parks as well as other important areas of open space such as adjacent to Corbett Hospital. The Council will seek to enhance these sites according to their existing and anticipated functions and facilities and their importance to the local community.

It is important to improve accessibility to the Borough’s strategic open space. The Council will continue to negotiate for appropriate access arrangements and provide information so that these areas can be used and enjoyed by all sections of the community.

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