Object

Representation ID: 10502

Received: 15/03/2019

Respondent: CPRE Warwickshire Branch

SM is not suitable basis for assessing housing need in Solihull, as it is based on assumption that there is no constraint to meeting full requirement.
NPPF is clear that Green Belt is a reason to restrict development in the plan area (FN5 to Para. 11). Most of undeveloped land in Solihull is Green Belt.
Meriden Gap performs important function in separating cities of Birmingham and Coventry, and has been protected in successive local plans and regional strategies.
Furthermore, there is a lot of commuting in and out of the Borough which makes it difficult to assess local housing need.
Alternative method would be a capacity-led local plan strategy.
No justification for 2000 contribution to HMA shortfall.
No formal agreement on HMA contribution.
Proposed housing growth far exceeds household projections. Borough has not achieved that level of growth in the past.
Capacity in the Plan to meet need up to 2031 without releasing further Green Belt if meet household projections only.
Plan should allocate more small sites of 1-5ha rather than focusing on fewer, larger sites.