THREE green spaces in the Dudley borough are to receive further protection to retain them for future generations.

Parts of Delph Locks in Brierley Hill is already designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).

Grange Park in Dudley and Mousesweet Brook Valley in Cradley are already designated as Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation (SLINC).

But Dudley Council’s ruling cabinet will be asked to approve proposals to expand the boundaries of protection at each site following new ecological surveys.

Such designations will form part of the Dudley Local Plan.

Councillor Adam Davies, who has been pressing for the expansion of the SINC area at Delph Locks, said: "The Delph Nine Locks Conservation Area is more than just the canal itself, it also includes the area where the old canal line lay and nearby woodland that forms a great habitat for local wildlife.

"Habitats like this are particularly important in built up areas like ours, so I'm really glad the surveys have supported our call for these areas to receive the same SINC status protection."

The Dudley Local Plan sets out different policies and proposals that will help guide development and land use for at least 15 years, and will be used to make decisions on planning applications during that time.

Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of the council, said: “We know that appeals against decisions by the council to refuse planning permission have a greater chance of success if information held in the Local Plan is dated or incomplete. So it is critical that we do these surveys.

“The ecological reports we carried out have confirmed these three sites remain important for wildlife and biodiversity, and that we need to expand their boundaries and afford them further protection.

“As a council we have consistently stated we want to protect the green spaces of our borough as far as we can, so they can be enjoyed for future generations.”

The issue will be discussed at the next meeting of the cabinet on Wednesday October 23. It will take place in Committee Room 2 at Dudley Council House, Priory Road. Members of the public are welcome to attend.