I am writing to object to the LDPs inclusion for housing and development of the old rugby ground on Sharmans Cross Road.

Development Density and Appearance

The proposal is wholly inappropriate. 60 - 100 homes would give a density of at least between 4 - 5 times that of properties in the surrounding area. It would constitute an over development for the size of the site. Importantly it would be completely out of character with, and not enhance, the local area. In addition, it would be oversized/out of scale.

Collectively, this would negatively impact the distinctiveness of the area. The site in question is a large green open space with mature trees including oaks with TPOs. The land offers a wealth of habitat, food and cover for wildlife including bats, badgers, foxes and species of birds. The destruction of the land will have environmental consequences and negatively impact enjoyment and positive health benefits.

Parking, Traffic and Pollution

Parking is currently a day to day issue given the volume of traffic in Sharmans Cross Road and adjacent side roads in particular. At key times, during school hours and the start and end of the working day, sees the road totally jammed and traffic at a complete standstill and impasse. The potential for incident and highway safety / accident increases. The road is a bus route, is used by heavy goods vehicles as well as growing numbers of motorists.

The road is a designated cycle route and is used daily by young school children who walk, cycle and use scooters, some unaccompanied as part of a drive to encourage them into a healthier lifestyle. The impact of the quantity of additional cars that would be associated with a housing development of the proposed scale would be detrimental to their health and well being. With childhood asthma and associated diseases increasing and the damage caused from vehicle emissions, whilst stationary, idling or crawling, on children and babies in buggies, will only get worse.

Flooding

Sharmans Cross Road is notorious for flooding following heavier rain falls. Any development and its hard standing areas would increase this further; our green fields provide valuable natural drainage and soak away.

Loss of Sporting Facilities

This is singularly the most issue and cannot be allowed to happen.

There is such a shortage of pitches in Solihull and others are at risk elsewhere in the area. The old rugby ground has excellent draining facilities and as a site, is accessible by foot, cycle, public transport and therefore perfect for youths to independently travel to, if it were again to be designated as a viable sports ground.

As SMBC minuted in 2013, its policy regarding the use of the ground only for sport and that they would not sell the freehold, this must be upheld. It questions why the land was ever included in the LDP. It must be withdrawn. It is clearly inappropriate for inclusion. The covenant must not be lifted. The site must only be used as originally intended - for sporting purposes in perpetuity.

I hope you will listen to the voice and concerns of local residents