THE launch of a possible public consultation on two new areas of housing growth on the edge of Bromsgrove and Redditch is being considered on Wednesday evening, February 6.

The proposed consultation would seek residents’ views on a joint planning proposal between Redditch Borough and Bromsgrove District councils, covering the Foxlydiate and Brockhill areas that are on Redditch’s border, but within the administrative boundary of Bromsgrove District Council.

There was a joint consultation on the matter in 2010 and since then the requirements of duty to co-operate, introduced in the Localism Act, have led to the next round of consultations being considered - seen as essential for the two councils to be able to progress their local and district plans.

Redditch needs around 6,400 dwellings up to 2030, but only has capacity for around 3,000 dwellings within its borders.

As councils are required to plan ahead for housing needs the neighbouring authorities have worked together and identified preferred locations for 3,400 dwellings in Bromsgrove’s district.

Proposals for the public consultation are on the agenda for this Wednesday's district council cabinet meeting, when leading councillors will be asked to recommend, to a vote of full council, for the approval of the consultation.

The proposal is also expected to go before Redditch Borough Council’s executive committee on February 12.

If approved the consultation would take place between February 25 and April 8.

Councillor Kit Taylor, Bromsgrove District Council’s portfolio holder for planning, said: “This consultation could be important for the whole district because if we want to keep control of our own local planning, then we have to work within the law and new rules have imposed a duty to co-operate on us.

“This consultation document shows the evidence for the proposals, and would give our residents a chance to comment on them.”