A SECOND consultation on the Dudley plan is soon to start - ahead of an official submission to the government for final sign off next year.

The plan sets out Dudley Council’s plans to meet housing and employment needs in the borough up to 2041.

It reiterates a commitment to protecting the green belt and building on brownfield land wherever possible.

The plan is to go before Dudley Council’s cabinet, who will be asked to approve a six-week consultation running in October and November.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said: “We received hundreds of submissions in our first consultation at the end of last year.

“Since then officers have been working hard on processing and reviewing those in detail and considering changes to the plan.

“We still firmly believe we can meet our housing and employment needs without having to build on green belt land treasured by so many in our borough.

“It has been a long process but we are nearing the final stages now, and we are firmly on track to meet our target of officially submitting the plan in spring or summer next year.”

The plan will be discussed at the next meeting of Dudley Council’s cabinet, which meets on Wednesday September 25 at Dudley Council House.

Members of the public are welcome to attend.