Re: LDP - Proposed Housing Allocation 18

I would like to object to the above application on the following grounds:

1.The severe overdevelopment of the site as per the plan is completely out of character for the area. In addition Sharmans Cross Road is too narrow to cope with the increased traffic resulting from such a development. Traffic is already reduced to single file when vehicles are parked on the road( and this will increase) and more congestion will mean more pollution.

2.The increased pollution will affect children walking to Sharmans Cross Junior school and other local schools as well as cyclists as the road is a designated cycle route. Congestion around the Junior School is already severe at the start and end of the school day.

3. When there is such a demand for sporting facilities in the area SMBC should not be exacerbating the problem. This sports ground is sorely needed and should be being used and SMBC has previously stated that sports grounds would only be used for sport. The sports grounds should therefore be excluded from the LDP.

4.It is irresponsible and short sighted of SMBC to be reducing sporting facilities when we need to be encouraging participation in sport from an early age. Good attitudes to sport and exercise are learned early in life and lead to a healthier adulthood. Unfortunately, we seem to be witnessing a decline in the health of much of the population that the country cannot afford. As well as weight problems profound Vitamin D deficiency is common in the UK. Solihull is woefully low in national league tables for sport participation according to Sport England and SMBC should be doing its utmost to remedy this.