I write with reference to the Local Plan Review in respect of Solihull and the proposed housing developments in the Tythe Barn Lane (BL1) Dog Kennel Lane (BL2) Whitlocks End Farm (BL3) allocations.

As a resident of Neville Road I write to register my concerns and objections to the proposed development sites and the number of proposed dwellings to be included on each site.

In total the 3 sites are proposing in the region of 1650 additional homes. Whilst no-one can dispute that additional housing is needed, the area and amenities cannot support the proposed number of proposed dwellings. I note that you are including provision for some additional primary school places, but I cannot see in the review that there is any intention to increase or offer any additional secondary school places. Secondary school places in Solihull are already in demand and many residents do not get their first place choices. I do consider that if you intend to allow an additional 1650 houses to be built in the local area, there will not be enough places for our children and this needs to be considered alongside any proposals for additional housing..

Further, i note that you state you intend to improve access on Bills Lane. This is already an extremely busy road and there is always a backlog of cars during peak periods. There are limited ways in which you could improve this area and with the additional proposed number of homes that would increase the number of traffic travelling on Bills Lane and surrounding roads to dangerous levels. Currently the pathways on the side of Bills Lane which joins Neville Road is too narrow and there is no foothpath at all on the opposite side which runs along Bills Wood. Also Bills Lane itself is a fairly narrow road which cannot support the current traffic levels without the proposed expansions on housing.

I have concerns also regarding the provision for Doctors surgeries, which are struggling now without additional patients. Further the proposed closure of Solihull Police Station would leave a highly populated area with no provision for Police support. With the closure of Solihull Hospital for accident and emergency and maternity services, there is also limited provision for hospital support in the area and does not reflect the population and any additional proposals for housing.

I note from having reviewed the draft local plan, that Shirley has the largest number of proposed additional homes that the area simply cannot support and which will put pressure on all services within the community.

The majority of current proposals in the Shirley area are retirement properties. Whiist there is no doubt a need for these types of properties, not every pensioner wishes to live in this type of property nor wishes to pay the extortionate service charges that are applied as a resident of one of these developments. Surely these would be better placed as having a smaller development of houses to accord with the need of the area. Particularly the proposed developments at the former Office World site and former Morrisons site.

I look forward to hearing from you further in due course.