Both sites are within a stones throw from one of the most important local historical Grade 1 Listed buildings in the borough, more importantly the historic village of Knowle.

Grimshaw hall and its grounds have been made a conservation area by SMBC, as such the greenbelt areas directly connected to them need to be protected to ensure a sustainable habitat for its richly diverse nature such as:

Buzzards
Owls
Swifts
Kingfishers
Other Migratory birds
Bats
Adders and grass snakes

The Greenbelt areas directly bordering the Hall should be preserved as greenbelt. KN1 negatively impacts the views and Historic rural element to residents of the village.

The KN1 development is mostly greenbelt and due to its connection to the hall and connected conservation areas should the KN1 proposal should be scrapped, and alternative site found.

It is my belief that the councils decision is being driven by the landowner looking to create a windfall profit from what is agricultural land.

I do not accept SMBC's justification to develop it, I do not believe the council has exhausted its search for alternative sites.

Alternative areas should be found, such as areas adjacent to Browns Lane in Bentley Heath, this area is more suitable due to it not being in the direct vicinity of Historical gardens and buildings. It is also nearer to the M42 corridor. If this is not suitable, the council should continue its search rather than develop in sensitive green belt next Historic buildings where, Any development can never be reversed.

I do not accept the councils plan to merely move the development a few meters further back so the housing sits downhill and out of site. This does not address the issue of developing in an Historically and Environmentally sensitive area which dates back to the 15th century. No further amendment to this site is acceptable to the residents of Knowle. The site needs to be scrapped and an alternative site found.

Development of precious Greenbelt
Development too close to designated Conservation area
Development too close to Grade 1 Historical building
Negative impact on local nature and birds