Solihull Land Development Plan (LDP), Proposed housing allocation 18

This email expresses my concerns over the proposal to include the above housing allocation within Solihull's LDP. I understand Solihull Borough Council (SMBC) are consulting residents for their views. I am a resident of Sharmans Cross Road in Solihull and a full playing member of the Solihull Arden Racquets Club (SAC). I wish SMBC to consider the objections raised in this email and review how the the site is used. I am asking that the proposal is reconsidered for sporting use only.

The document, Reviewing the Plan for Solihull's Future refers to Solihull as "recognised for its high quality environment which attracts residents and investors to the sub-region. These include green infrastructure assets such as ... tree-lined suburbs and principal parks ... Growth needs to be managed at a sustainable rate so that the success of these assets are not compromised" (section 215, p.72).
I note too, in Better Neighbourhoods. Making Higher Densities Work: "the aim is to create better neighbourhoods, not just boost housing numbers" (CABE/Corp.London, 2005, p.4)
[NB bold emphasis added here].

The Council can note that the above proposal to build 100 houses across 3 hectares of land serves a contradiction to these statements. Such development would be highly out of character with the area. In respect of a 'neighbourhood feel' this proposal presents housing development isolated from local amenities (walking distances to existing facilities is too far). Public transport/personal vehicles would be essential and bring their own problems (congestion/parking, RTAs/poorer health).

Where the area currently provides a good and thriving sporting facility (SAC), and shows promising potential still for significant other sport development, whilst also being attractively surrounded by mature trees (protected) and foliage, these are immense positives to want to retain for Solihull citizens' health and well-being, increasing their participation in active sport AND outdoor pursuit. Immediate local community beneficiaries would also be ALL Solihull citizens who would choose to participate in a well-developed, attractive facility.

The green field previously occupied by the Rugby Club needs to be 'given back' and used for encouraging grassroots team sport participation. For example, the Council are drawn to consider the reported issues affecting football and Sport England funding reduction to the Football Association, e.g.:

A Sky Sports News survey has revealed poor facilities and a lack of funding are killing off football at grassroots.

More than two and a half thousand people responded to our survey enquiring about the barriers to participating in 11-a-side local football.

Poor quality pitches and a lack of provisions from local authorities came top of the issues raised.

More than 65% of respondents said they did not think local councils did enough to support facilities and the costs of low-level football, and 83.7% said the FA do not do enough to preserve the grassroots game.

http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9213512/sky-sports-news-survey-reveals-poor-state-of-grassroots-football-poor-facilities-and-lack-of-funding-to-blame


Additionally, the representation (18) by CERDA Planning indicates action on behalf of Oakmoor Ltd and Arden Lawn Tennis Club Ltd. As a full playing member of the club, it is my understanding, and according to the rules of SAC, there is no mandate currently allowing its freehold land to be used for housing development. Where the proposal offers "redevelopment of the site" and new sporting facilities as a "focal point", I would draw the Council's attention to the fact that relocating SAC onto leasehold land would be detrimental to the viability of the Club. SAC would loose it's most valuable asset with which to regenerate/update and maintain itself.
With the ultimate demise of SAC, this proposal therefore is in direct contravention of SMBC's "sporting and community objectives".

I strongly urge SMBC to reject this proposal; ensure SAC can retain its status and look to how use of the green field site can be achieved to further SMBC plans for community sport regeneration.

Yours sincerely,