A new report says that nearly 80,000 new homes need to be built in the Black Country between now and 2036.

The consultation document for the Black Country Core Strategy says sites have already been earmarked for around 60,000. But there is a shortfall of 22,000 as the population and economy of the region continues to grow.

Leader of Dudley Council Patrick Harley says tough decisions have to made, and while brownfield sites remain a priority, they may eventually have to look at building on the green belt.

People in Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton are being urged to have their say on where the homes should or could go. A public consultation starts on July 3 and will run until September 10.