LDP - Proposed Housing Allocation 18

As a resident of Sharmans Cross Road I am writing to object in the strongest terms to the possible inclusion of the development of 100 houses on the current rugby ground at Sharmans Cross Road in the local development plan (LDP).

The proposed development of the ground has been the subject of two planning applications over the last few years, one of which was refused on planning grounds and the other withdrawn. That in itself evidences the fact that the site is not suitable for development. The reasons for the planning refusal in 2009 remain and are exacerbated by the increased size, scale and density of the development contemplated by the LDP. In those circumstances it is extremely disappointing that the Council believes it acceptable to put the local community through yet another period of planning related concern.

There are a large number of grounds which support the position that the development proposed to be included in the LDP would be inappropriate and potentially in breach of planning policy, and that including it is not a decision any reasonable local authority in the position of the Council should make. These include:

1 The size, scale and density of the development (which I understand would need to include 3 storey buildings) will be completely out of character with the surrounding area both generally and in its appearance. There is no development of similar size and scale in the locality. It will give rise to serious noise, loss of light, loss of privity and local pollution issues for current local residents.

2 The development would destroy a green space enjoyed by local residents which houses mature trees and other flora and is a home to a variety of wildlife. That would all be irreplaceable.

3 Solihull (and particularly central Solihull) has a serious lack of sporting facilities and green open spaces for leisure use. The Council has a statutory obligation to ensure that any lost sports facilities are replaced with facilities which are equally accessible. There is no space in the local area (in walking or cycling distance) where such facilities could be located. In a time of serious and increasing national concerns over lack of participation in sport and the ensuing medium and long term health effects (for both children and adults) the loss of a space which could (if utilised properly by the Council) provide a facility capable of being used for such purposes would appear completely unjustifiable.

4 I have seen a copy of the original lease of the land between The Trustees of the Solihull Rugby Union Club and The Mayor Alderman and Burgesses of the County Borough of Solihull. It contains a covenant on the part of the tenant to ensure that the land is only used as a private sports ground. That evidences the importance the Council placed on the recreational value of the land in 1969. Since then leisure/green spaces in the Borough have reduced dramatically and the recreational value of the land increased accordingly. I understand that the Council acknowledged this in 2013 confirming its policy with regards to the use of the land solely for sport and that it would not sell the freehold. There is no objective justification for a change in that policy. Indeed the Council should be actively enforcing the covenant and reconfirming that policy.

5 Traffic (and the associated pollution) in the vicinity of Sharmans Cross Road is already at increasingly dangerous levels. Sharmans Cross Road itself cannot cope with current rush hour traffic with regular gridlock resulting in numerous accidents particularly at the Streetsbrook Road junction. The increased traffic which would inevitably arise if the land is developed would have a serious effect on the safety (and potentially health) of road users, cyclists (Sharmans Cross Road is a designated cycle route) and pedestrians including children walking to the local junior school.

5 The development (and the potential loss of parking at Solihull Arden Club) will lead to increased parking on local roads (both main roads and smaller residential roads). Parking in the area is already a major issue and gives rise to serious safety concerns during busy periods.

6 Sharmans Cross Road is already prone to serious flooding issues during periods of heavy rain. Any significant development would increase flooding issues with consequent negative impacts on the health and properties of affected residents.

7 Schools and medical centres in the area are already over subscribed. There is no possibility of them coping with the increasing demands on services the development would bring. Additionally I understand that the National Policy Planning Framework requirements regarding the distance between developments and local amenities would not be met.

As noted above I strongly object to the the proposal to include the rugby club land in the LDP .

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