Proposed development of Sharmans Cross Rugby Ground / Arden Tennis Club
I wish to voice my concerns and objection to the proposed development of the ground at Sharmans Cross Road. I am disappointed that, despite a cross-party agreement to only use that site as a recreational ground, this has been tabled as a potential site for redevelopment. I would ask that the Council does not renege on its commitment and instead, invests in the site for the benefit of the community. Specifically, I have the following concerns:

* There is already inadequate provision in the local area for young people to play sport outside of school. Any existing space is not close to the centre of Solihull and is therefore difficult to access for most people.
* Even if an alternative recreational ground was tabled to compensate, new out-of-town grounds would do very little to promote sport. I am very concerned that, without adequate provision, young people will not have the outlets to channel their energy.
* The density of the proposed housing is by far in excess of the neighbouring surroundings.
* The provision for parking is far less than that typically required in the average Solihull household.
* There would be pressure on existing infrastructure, in particular the school and the road.
* There is no provision for new infrastructure, for example a doctors surgery.

Instead, I hope you consider new ways to invigorate the site into a place that brings the community together. There are ways to attract sport to the site, and there must be alternatives that offer benefit to the local community, for example extending the school or a community garden, which is an initiative that is being run in central Birmingham to promote wellbeing and connect the community.