We object to
A) Proposed land development adjoining Langcomb road (Site 13)
B) Wider issues of concentration of Sites in South Shirley

Objections
1, 40 % of all housing allocation in Shirley

While we recognize that new housing needs to be provide. It cannot be right that 40% of all the new houses being proposed at this time should be located with the Shirley area on green belt land. Surely there should be a more even spread across the borough?
We object to the land having high density housing which will result in urban sprawl and effectively connecting Shirley to Dickens Heath.

2, Traffic Congestion

The local network infrastructure is already under significant pressure and arguably cannot take any more strain? The traffic flows in that area will be directed predominantly down Haslucks Green Road, Bills Lane, Tanworth Lane, Blackford Road and Dog Kennel Lane, also impacting the numerous roads that run between them, and would only further congest the A34. In terms of benefitting from HS2, I can understand the logic of building residential properties in the vicinity of UK Central, but for residents of the properties being built around Shirley, they would need to access both the A34 and the M42, worsening what are already congested roads.

2, Building on green Belt land

The green belt in this area has been long established and contains a large variety of wild life. The area concerned is wildlife rich. While no official study has been done at present; we regularly see and hear a variety of species. The evidence for this is supported by the large number of Owls and bats regularly heard and seen in the area. This supports the evidence that there is good food supply for them provide by a diverse range of insects and mammals.
including :-
Birds:- Cuckoo's, owls , Jays, woodpeckers.
Mamel's:- field mice, shrews, hedgehog's, foxes, Frogs, newts, squirrels.
Insects: - Dragonflies, bumble bees, honey bees, butterflies and Beetles,

3, Flooding

The gardens backing onto the fields behind Langcomb road regularly flood. We believe the fields and trees behind the house play an important part in mitigating the effects of the flooding. Should these trees be removed additional drainage will be required.
However there are times when a pool of water covers the ground across our properties. This usually stays for up to a week before dispersing. We believe the line of oak trees on the border play an import part in helping control any flooding.
The proposed development should take account of this:-
1) Flooding problems.
Review the proposed developments to ensure they are not going to create additional flooding problems.
2) Housing density.
Ensuring the lowest housing density while allowing retention of as much of the natural tree lines to help control flooding naturally.
3) Drainage Review
Review and providing extra drainage to protect our properties, including the maintaining protection and planting addition Oak trees in the existing tree line.
6, Prevention of neighbouring towns merging into one.

We object to the land having high density housing which will result in urban sprawl and effectively connecting Shirley to Dickens Heath.

7, Well-being and quality of life

We chose to live in the vicinity, due to its close proximity to open country side. We utilize and enjoy the local country paths and routs through the land adjacent to Langcomb road, providing connections to the local canal paths and other county bridal ways. This contributes to our well-being and general health.
This is documented in the "Solihull health and well-being strategy 2016 - 2019"
1) Evidence : Refer to page 26 of "what we need in Solihull"
Improved access to quantity and quality of open and green spaces, to improve both physical and mental health.

This could be reinforced by retaining and improving the existing local bridleways and footpaths, combining and incorporating the wildlife corridors in a dual purpose amenity for everyone.

2) Recreation and fitness
Currently the land is used by many people for recreation and fitness purposed . we wish to be considered in the layout of the proposed developments , so this can continue to be an important health benefit to all current and new residents in the community.

8,Proposed amendment to local plan

Alternate Shirley housing plan to reduce encroachment on green belt land while improving the local area and helping with traffic flow.
Following the announcement of the councils need to provide additional housing in the Shirley area, we believe an adjustment to the plan can achieve a more balanced approach providing many addition al benefits to the community as a whole.
E.g. to demolish and use the Light hall school land as development. Currently the school is very run down, with classed being attended in Porta cabins.
Proposed new School
A new school could be built opposite Miller and Carter. This new school could then have the capacity to accommodate pupils from both Shirley and the Dickens heath areas. Utilizing this location would also have many advantages.
Advantages
* The green belt land behind the new school could be saved and used by the school, while still being available for general community use. Protecting the Wildlife.
* The road system by the Miller and Carter is already substantial with good connections to the local estates (Shirley and Dickens Heath). This would help reduce congestion within the Light hall school area.