Comment

Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation

Representation ID: 6853

Received: 28/02/2019

Respondent: HS2

Representation Summary:

High level references are made to the arrival of HS2 in the Borough, so no soundness concerns from a safeguarding planning perspective. Concept Masterplans should indicate extent of land that is subject to formal safeguarding directions.

The site is referred to as site 21 in the 'Concept Masterplan' document. While this site is also affected by the HS2 safeguarding direction, it is noted that there is no mention of a potential need to phase this development within the plan-period in order to avoid conflict with HS2.

Full text:

Our ref: HS2-SMB-PE-013

Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for consulting HS2 Ltd on the above matter, we have the following comments and observations on the document.

High level references are made to the arrival of HS2 in the Borough and as such there are no immediate concerns in 'soundness' terms from a safeguarding planning perspective.

On a more detailed level it is noted that there are two sites proposed for allocation affected by the HS2 formal safeguarding direction for Phase 1.

Ref: Site 1 Barratt's Farm

HS2 Ltd welcomes the addition of text recognising the need to phase the delivery of the site until later in the plan-period so as to avoid conflict with HS2.

Ref: Site 21 Lavender Hall Farm

This site is referred to as Site 21 in the 'Solihull Local plan Allocations - Draft Concept Masterplans document', however, in the 'Reviewing the plan Solihull's future supplementary consultation 2019' the site is referred to as Site 23. Furthermore, while this site is also affected by the HS2 safeguarding direction, it is noted that there is no mention (similar to the text included for Site Ref 1) of a potential need to phase this development within the plan-period in order to avoid conflict with HS2.

In addition, in advance of preparing these comments, HS2 Ltd made contact with Charlene Jones (SMBC) regarding a cartographic issue relating to both of the sites referred to above. Site plans within the Solihull Local Plan Review Draft Concept Masterplans document present an area that is referred to as 'HS2 safeguarded land' using a purple shading. HS2 Ltd understands from discussions that the extent of the purple shaded area shown in these plans reflects land subject to formal safeguarding directions + a buffer which has been applied by the local authority to assist with its internal processes and procedures. Therefore, the area indicated as safeguarded by these plans is not consistent with that to which the formal safeguarding directions apply. To avoid potential confusion it would be appreciated if future plans and policies maps indicate the extent of land that is subject to formal safeguarding directions.

Below are links to published guidance relating to HS2 for Local Planning Authorities and where the latest safeguarding maps can be found:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/735577/Phase_1_SG_Directions_LPA_guidance.pdf

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hs2-safeguarding-maps-solihull-birmingham-and-warwickshire