We were disappointed to see that the plans for this site had not been advanced since its previous publication, however clarity re the retention of the HL Playing Fields and Allotments was welcomed. Below is a list of areas for further consideration:

- The masterplan indicates that the density of housing proposed within the development masterplans is out of character with the existing prosperities. This particular road (and side of the road) has the lowest density of housing within the Built Up Boundary Area. The masterplan needs to be adjusted to reflect the character. In addition there are no bungalows proposed within this scheme. A bungalow is potentially being demolished to make way for this new development. It is therefore reasonable to expect that this type of accommodation which is suitable for both the elderly and disabled is made available within the masterplan with ideally more properties of this type made available within this scheme

- Pedestrian and vehicle access to this site remains inadequate. Emergency services access to the site is not sufficient (as confirmed on Page 20 of SLP Site Allocations - Masterplans). It is unrealistic to expect residents to walk through a playing field (even if a pathway is provided) and/or via a long and at times isolated pathway (dark winter months (even if lighting is provided) to access Balsall Street East (with existing limited street lighting). There is no indication of cycle access to this site and there is no indication of how traffic will be restricted from parking near to and along the only access point to this proposed site

- This site provides very low accessibility to ammenities

- The willow tree positioned on the front garden of the property to be demolished for the vehicle access contributes to the character and ecology of the area. An indication of how this prominent native tree will be retained would be welcomed by the community. In addition, the existing hedgerows and trees within the rear property of this property and the field adjacent provide valuable habitat for the birds identified by residents and listed below:

-sparrowhawk
-buzzard
-pheasant
-quail
-wood pigeon
-cuckoo
-barn owl
-tawny owl
-heron
-swift
-great spotted woodpecker
-green woodpecker
-meadow pipit
-wren
-robin
-nightingale
-blackbird
-song thrush
-great tit
-long tailed tit
-blue tit
-nuthatch
-treecreeper
-jay
-magpie
-rook
-crow
-tree sparrow
-chaffinch
-greenfinch
-goldfinch
-bullfinch
-hawfinch


- The existing hedgerows and trees within the rear property to be demolished and the field adjacent provide valuable habitat for the wildlife listed below:

-foxes
-rabbits
-badgers
-hedgehogs
-deer
-bats

- The field behind the property to be demolished has been dormant for a significant period of time. This has enabled wildlife to flourish in this area. It should be preserved and protected. The masterplan for this area indicates it will become a "Grassland SI". Access to this area by the public should be prohibited. Concerns have been raised as to how this area of ecological significance will be protected from:

- traveller encampments
- fly tipping
- human interaction
- dogs
- criminal activity

Any of the above will have a detrimental impact on this area and therefore render the future "Grassland SI" redundant

Furthermore, in the event of the development of this field a firm proposal from SMBC re. how the area will be managed and maintained must be provided to residents in advance of this development proceeding with further opportunity for consultation provided

The three significant oak trees which will flank the access to this development proposal do not currently have TPOs. SMBC must put TPOs in place prior to the development of this site with clear expectations re. how and who will be responsible for their maintenance and survival

Currently there are several agricultural gates which provide direct access from Frog Lane to the proposed development site. These must be secured to prevent incursions from traveller encampments and to secure the new and existing properties from crime within this area

- The Frog Lane area currently suffers from regular bouts of ASB and drug dealing and the fencing of goods. This is an isolated section of the parish and if development is to occur there needs to be significant consideration as to how this problem can be tackled and resolved. Frog Lane is not a sufficient road to host two-way traffic. In the event of this development going ahead the road needs to be closed to traffic through the implementation of a no-through road point. This would make the access to residential/commercial properties on Frog Lane possible via Balsall Street East but would remove the issue of the blind corner and the threat to life currently posed to cyclists, pedestrians, walkers, runners, equestrians. Access to the Holly Lane Playing Fields and agricultural fields would then be gained through the Frog Lane/Holly Lane junction. By doing this SMBC have the opportunity to preserve the rural aspect and recreational use of this lane for the benefit of the community. This lane is used as part of the annual Balsall Common Fun Run. Many runners within this community use this lane as part of their regular training runs in preparation for the annual event

- Due to the open aspect of the rear gardens on Balsall Street East existing properties will be subject to a significant change in their privacy. Currently properties along this road have fencing arrangements constructed from low rise timber and posts. Development on this site will expose their privacy and compromise their security. In the event of development taking place on this site the security and privacy of existing residents must be paramount and a scheme in agreement with all its residents must be in place before permission for development is granted by SMBC. Policing in this area is woefully inadequate.

- Issues surrounding pedestrian/vehicle access to Balsall Common Primary School and Heart of England Academy must be resolved prior to the development of this site to prevent risk to life. Current road/pedestrian conditions present a daily risk to life. Pedestrian access to the schools via this development site must be revised. Current proposals promote the use of cars to gain access to these sites. A direct pedestrian access from the development site via the service road on Balsall Street East must be provided within this scheme in order to make it viable

- Housing developed on this site must be constructed from the highest possible noise insulation materials to avoid the inevitable sleep disruptions from planes arriving and departing from Birmingham Airport via this area. This will ensure a decent quality of life for new residents in this area.

- Within this area "Development should be set back from the immediate locality and development within view or within the zone of significance influence must be of high architectural value" (Page 17 of SLP Site Allocations - Masterplans). Residents are angry that the former property of Silver Birches on Frog Lane was granted planning permission to be demolished and replaced by a 2 storey 6 apartment property in 2017. This decision in the eyes of residents clearly flouts the statement made (Page 17 of SLP Site Allocations - Masterplans) and serves to promote a level of mistrust and faith amongst residents towards SMBC and their meaningful commitment to maintaining the character of this area Solihull Council do not care about preserving the Local Character of this area and bend the rules re. Proximity to heritage sites to suit their housing targets. This has been proved through your publication of this masterplan!

- Conditions re a party wall agreement needs to be put into place and enforced by Solihull Council before any work on the demolition of the bungalow on Balsall Street East takes place. Residents of 20 Balsall Street East have already undergone significant distress and have had to fight for Solihull Building Control to regulate the inapporpiate development of Silver Birches Frog Lane with little if no support from SMBC.