BROMSGROVE'S green belt land could be up for grabs as the council struggles to meet a pressing need for housing.

Council chiefs are set to discuss documents which continue the work from last year on preparing a new plan for the district.

Feedback and responses to a consultation carried out in 2018 have now been published as well as information on the possible strategic direction the plan could take.

Also, the first element of the green belt review has been carried out.

At this stage the documents do not contain information on where new developments may be, but they will help in making decisions in the future alongside a wide range of other evidence.

The documents will also consider inviting landowners and developers to offer land for development as the council looks to accommodate the housing and employment need as identified by the Planning Inspector.

This could include looking to the green belt for possible solutions.

Bromsgrove District Council’s portfolio-holder for planning, cllr Adam Kent, said: “While issues such as housing and employment numbers need further work, it is clear that we will have to consider all options to accommodate development needs.

“We also cannot ignore the possibility of accommodating some of the wider housing needs of the West Midlands conurbation.

“A necessary part of this process is to look at all options for possible development so we maintain the look and feel of Bromsgrove District which draws people to live, work and visit here.

“Decisions made now will play a vital part in officers being able to work up a first draft of the plan and put forward a preferred option in approximately 12 to 18 months time.”

Council leader Karen May added: “This document is an initial response to over 3,500 comments which we have received.

“This is a plan for the whole district and all its residents so it’s important to take the feedback on board which will help inform the future direction that the plan takes.”

The plan will be discussed by councillors next month.

Green belts were created to prevent urban sprawl and stop neighbouring towns merging into one another.

About 13 per cent of England is now covered and the 14 green belt areas are meant to be permanently protected - and are only reviewed in exceptional circumstances.

However, it has reduced in size by about 100km2 (39 square miles) since 2010, primarily due to councils adopting new planning policies.