 The Council will co-operate where possible with the various health and social service authorities and give appropriate assistance to the allocation of sites and premises to encourage the provision of suitable services throughout the Borough. 10.1 The provision of health and social service facilities includes not only hospitals but also clinics, doctors and dentists surgeries, chemist shops and specialised accommodation. Where possible, support will be given to the provision of such facilities. Proposals for localised facilities are detailed and identified in the inset plans. 
The Council will seek to retain existing community facilities and to encourage the provision of new facilities whenever unmet needs are identified. 10.2 Sandwell’s population comprises a complicated collection of small communities which generate a diversity of community needs, including facility provision. Some of these communities are already served with such facilities, but many needs remain unmet or are still to be identified. 10.3 The principal need voiced by many voluntary groups is that of a suitable meeting place. Such accommodation can represent a social, cultural or even religious focus depending upon the particular community. It is important therefore to support existing provision or ensure adequate replacement where this becomes necessary. Furthermore, encouragement should be given to the creation of new community facilities in association with large scale developments, such as new housing. 10.4 Consideration of the needs of ethnic minority groups is of particular importance, as are the needs of any group or community experiencing deprivation and hardship. Local communities will be encouraged to participate in the definition of needs and subsequent courses of action. 10.5 In considering the details of proposals for community facilities the Council will have regard to Development Control Policy DC10 - Community Facilities, Including Places of Worship and/or Religious Instruction. 
A site for a new cemetery is allocated at Thimblemill Allotments, Smethwick (Proposal Com6).The Council will keep under review the need for additional cemeteries and crematoria in the Borough. 10.6 It is estimated that there will be a short- age of burial space within the Borough during the plan period (2011),particularly within the south of the Borough. The identification of new sites is important to enable the Council to provide for the needs of all religious groups within the Borough. Space in the Smethwick area is now critical as the remaining burial space at Uplands Cemetery is forecast to be sufficient for only 8 years.
|
