A SERIES of drop-in sessions have been announced for people to ask questions and submit written comments on the Black Country Plan.

The plan, which aims to identify land for housing and employment across the Black Country while continuing to protect green belt land from developers, is currently out for consultation until next month.

Dudley Council bosses say they are keen to give residents across the borough “every opportunity” to have their say and they have organised a series of drop-in sessions at venues across the borough to give people chance to view consultation documents, ask questions and leave their completed comments forms with planning officers.

Councillor Simon Phipps, Dudley's cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said: "We want to give borough residents every opportunity to have their say on this important plan. People have been commenting on the plan but these drop-in sessions give people another chance to get advice on the nature of the proposals so that they can make comments on how they see the future of housing and employment land.

"I must reiterate this council’s stance has always been to use brownfield land first to protect our precious greenbelt land. It’s really important we hear what people have to say."

The first sessions takes place at Brierley Hill Library, High Street, on Monday September 20, from 10am until 4pm. The following day, Tuesday September 21, people can visit Kingswinford Library, Market Street, from 10am to 4pm.

Stourbridge Library will host a session on Wednesday September 22 from 10am to 4pm followed by Dudley Town Hall, St James’s Road, on Monday September 27 from 10am to 2pm.

There will be another session at Dudley Town Hall on Tuesday September 28 from 3pm to 7pm.

The final drop-in session takes place at Halesowen Library, Queensway, on Wednesday September 29 from 10am to 4pm.

There is no need to book at any of the venues. People are encouraged to wear a mask when they attend. Numbers inside the buildings will be limited to keep everyone safe.

The consultation runs from August 16 to October 11.

People can find out more and complete the survey at blackcountryplan.dudley.gov.uk

Alternatively people can visit their local library or council reception area or email blackcountryplan@dudley.gov.uk.