SOLIHULL LOCAL PLAN OBJECTION

Dear sir/madam, as a local resident I wish to lodge an objection over the proposal to move the Bickenhill Household Waste Recycling Centre to Damson Parkway as outlined in paragraphs 105 and 831 of the Solihull Local Plan (site map reference UK2).

For over three decades, the green belt land in what used to be an attractive and leafy approach to Solihull town centre has been steadily eroded as the adjacent Jaguar Land Rover factory has expanded to more than double its original size.

The current ongoing addition - a huge logistics centre right alongside the proposed tip - is built on a large tract of green belt land that was waved through by Solihull Council as it was deemed exceptional circumstances. There are no exceptional circumstances about this latest project, which explains why the Council has kept it under wraps until the 11th hour while Local Plan developments in other wards have been in the public domain for four years resulting in consultations, amendments and even cancellations.

In making this proposal, the Council has ignored the traffic problems that already exist along Damson Parkway - and this is before the logistics centre comes into operation early next year. The addition of long queues of cars and vans trying to access the proposed refuse tip - not to mention the lorries required to service the site - will lead to more traffic chaos, especially when the various shifts change over at JLR.

Down the years, the residents of Elmdon have protested in vain about a couple of JLR expansion plans that have blighted the area but most accept the company is a huge asset to the region and employs around 9,000 workers at the site. However, Solihull Council should be fully aware of the traffic congestion, inconvenience and increased pollution that this has created along Damson Parkway - a main thoroughfare to the A45 - yet has shown total disregard for local residents by trying to sneak this recycling centre through under the radar.

Back in 2016, when HS2 decreed the tip had to be moved to make way for their expansive Birmingham Interchange plans, among the first sites earmarked was in nearby Meridan. However, Meridan Parish Council minutes for October that year record that the ward's Conservative councillors made representation to the local Conservative MP and consequently Conservative-led Solihull Council decided to look elsewhere. Elmdon residents have not been afforded a similar courtesy of advanced warning as the ward has no Conservative councillors. This petty politicking should not impact on such important long-term decisions.

The JLR factory will expand even further over the coming years and the company has already announced plans to close the adjacent sports field and social club and convert it into a giant car park - which is exactly what Damson Parkway is destined to be if this recycling centre is added to the industrial behemoth the area has become.