As one of the first residents in Dickens Heath having moved to Tythe Barn Lane in 1998 and lived at the current address for over 20 years, I strongly object to the allocation of Site 4 for residential development of 350.

Site 4 would not be in a sustainable location and would create substantial car traffic. While it would be close to Whitlock's End railway station, the rail service at that station facilitate access to Central Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon. No service is provided between said station and Solihull Town Centre, for which there is only a slow bus service or across the Borough to UK Central. There would no direct access from Site 4 to the services and facilities in Dickens Heath village itself, as there would be no direct road or cycleway to the village centre.

If Site 4 is included in the Local Plan, there would be a major loss of sports grounds and playing fields. The Green Belt which would be lost to Site 4 contains a variety of different types of sports facilities. The proposed replacement sports facility on Site 4 between Tythe Barn Lane and the Stratford Canal would not adequately replace the many sports clubs' requirements. There are already many objections to the loss of the several current sports fields and facilities; these are used by people from a large area of the Conurbation and surrounding towns.

We have enough upcoming talent if we keep the pitches. We do not need imported players with weird names and one-name names if we retain and nurture home grown talent. This will simply not happen if we have two pitches as per the latest LDP.

In addition to the loss of sports and recreational land there is the issue of traffic congestion. Already there is severe congestion in the village. I know because I live on Tythe Barn Lane and for over 20 years, I have witnessed a huge spike in traffic, a lot being cut through, as they wish to avoid Shirley High Street. Coupled with school run traffic and legally parked resident's vehicles, the proposed LDP will see further pressure on the road and linking roads as it is not suited for the current volume of traffic. Quality of life will be screwed full stop.

Once the new developments in nearby Tidbury Green are completed (a total of 400 new homes) as well as that in nearby Wythall, these will add to the existing problem. Furthermore, new allocations in nearby Cheswick Green will impact on Dickens Heath Road, Tanworth Lane and Dog Kennel Lane. No further developments hould be permitted until existing issues have been addressed. It is essential we look at how the existing infrastructure can cope before adding to the problems.