These are my views on the Solihull Local Plan Review:

DRAFT LOCAL PLAN - SUPPLEMENTARY CONSULTATION

BALSALL COMMON

QUESTION 4 - SITE 1- BARRETTS FARM


Preservation of the Green Belt in the Meriden Gap:

* Barretts Farm is in the narrowest part of the Meriden Gap between Balsall Common and Coventry. With the addition of HS2 it will almost be eliminated.

*Alternative sites for development to the North of Balsall Common should be considered, making use of Hampton in Arden rail station.


Preserving green space in the area covered by the development:

* To compensate for the loss of Green Belt large areas of open space should provided for public use.

* There should be sizeable areas of undeveloped land containing existing trees and hedgerows to allow for the movement of wildlife.

* Linear tracts of landscaped open space should run through the development following footpaths and cycleways.

* The location of new homes close to existing residences should be avoided as much as possible, and separated by green open space (as at Riddings Hill).


Protecting the property and quality of life of all residents affected by the development:

* Vehicular access to the new housing should be from the new bypass.

* Only pedestrian footpaths and cycleways should be connected to Meeting House Lane, Oxhayes Close and Barretts Lane.

* Barretts Farm development should only be commenced after the completion of HS2, to avoid the massive impact from the construction of two projects at once.

* Construction traffic should not be permitted along Meeting House Lane, it is narrow and has no footpath.

* The bypass should be built first to take construction traffic.


Concept Plan for Barretts Farm:

* All new development should be in accordance with an agreed Concept Plan, even small sites.

* The Eastern bypass should become the route for though traffic, and be part of the A452.

* The existing Kenilworth Road should be for local traffic only, with traffic calming to discourage through traffic. Pedestrian movement across the Kenilworth Road should be improved.

* The increased population will require a larger village centre with more facilities.

* Earlier build should be on the Western side of the village whilst HS2 is under construction.

* A line for a Western bypass should be established to take pressure away from from the Eastern bypass which acts as a feeder road for 900 houses at Barretts Farm.

* The new development should be of high aesthetic value, giving Balsall Common a special character.

* A Design Guide should be produced for developers to comply with. This should give some unity and 'Sense of Place' to the expanded village