Object
Solihull Local Plan (Draft Submission) 2020
Representation ID: 11031
Received: 10/12/2020
Respondent: Mrs P Green
Legally compliant? Not specified
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? Not specified
The draft submission is local plan is not sound in proposing the allocation of Site BC3 for housing as it fails on 3 of the 4 tests of soundness.
>Not positively prepared in that it is not practical to deliver the unmet need of the HMA (2105 units). NPPF para 11 has not been given due consideration. Building on Greenbelt land (Greenfield & Meridian Gap) is not required in order to comply with planning policy. Site BC3 not sustainable using the council's own criteria.
> Allocation not justified. Omission of sites within Balsall Common and in the wider borough which should have been allocated, based on merit or no justification for omission. Final findings from Solihull town centre Masterplan not incorporated and can't be reconciled with the draft local plan.
>Inconsistencies with NPPF (11; 94; 108; 109; 122; 138; 185 and 194) not complied with. This will result in unsustainable development not being achieved.
>Concerns over biodiversity in Site BC3 and the character of the Grade II listed Berkswell Windmill
Objection to Site BC3 - Fails 3 out 4 Tests of Soundness
I wish to formerly object to Site BC3 Windmill Lane/Kenilworth Road and ask that it is removed from the Solihull Draft Submission Local Plan and Final Local Plan.
The Draft Submission Local Plan is not sound, in proposing the allocation of Site BC3 for housing, as it fails to comply with 3 of the 4 tests of Soundness:
1) Positively Prepared:
The plan has not been positively prepared in that it is not practical to deliver the unmet need of the HMA (2105 units). NPPF para. 11 has not been given due consideration. To build 4410 units on Green Belt Land (greenfield) and 1195 in the Meriden Gap is not required in order to comply with planning policy. Moreover, it is demonstrated that Site BC3 specifically is not sustainable using the Council’s own criteria.
2) Justified:
The allocation of site BC3 has not been justified. There are omission sites both within Balsall Common and in the wider borough which either should have been allocated, based on merit, or for which the omission has not been justified. Moreover, the findings from the final version of the masterplan for Solihull Town Centre are not incorporated and cannot be reconciled with the Draft Local Plan.
3) Consistent with National Policy:
There are inconsistencies with the NPPF. Specifically paragraphs 11; 94; 108; 109; 122; 138; 185 and 194 are not complied with. As such, the enabling of sustainable development will not be delivered should Site BC3 remain in the Draft Local Plan.
I wish to protect the biodiverse rich habitat that is Site BC3 and I also wish to protect the setting and character of the Grade II * Listed Berkswell Windmill.