Balsall Common has been allocated a total of 1150 new homes, all in the Green Belt and most in the Meriden Gap where it is nearest to Coventry and Burton Green. This area be greatly affected by HS2 and it is arguable that no development should be taken in this area until construction of HS2 is complete. The number of houses is a 25% increase (27% including Ridings Hill which has already been allocated). This will require considerable infrastructure to be put in place.
These houses also are 22% of the schedule of new allocated housing in the Green Belt thus significantly reducing the Meriden Gap.
The SHELAA(2016) identifies other sites which are less intrusive but have been ignored.
When these sites were considered in the 2012 SHELAA they were thought to be unsuitable. Although Solihull has to find a larger housing allocation the reasons for rejection are still valid.
There is further concern that using your average density figures the amount of land being taken out of the Green Belt could accommodate over 2000 dwellings in the Barratts Farm proposed development.
If development is required in Balsall Common this should be to the north or north-west of the village centre to alleviate most traffic congestion. Any development should be to shift the centre of the village away from the HS2 corridor.
The LPR evidence base is flawed. Although it purports to use a pseudo-scientific method to identify sites the actual scoring is subjective and in some cases incorrect. The Draft Local Plan Topics Papers are supposed to give the reasons for site selection but close examination highlights some glaring errors especially with regard to accessibility of the Barratts Lane site in Balsall Common.
Other areas for consideration are around Dorridge which has better facilities, a regular rail service and does not threaten the Meriden Gap.
There is also a significant Brown field site at the now closed garden centre in Barston which could surely be made available.