Local Development Plan Site 245

I wish to register my objection to the above plan for the following reasons:-

The Old Rugby Ground should not even be considered for housing since the use of this land remains as playing fields. It is subject to a 125 year lease, starting in 1965 at £250 a year for 2 pitches (there is still a remaining 71 years to go). The Corporation were desirous of ensuring that the said land remains as playing fields and the freehold land will only be used for purposes ancillary to a sports ground. The present lessor (Oakmoor (Sharmans Cross) Ltd} will not "use or permit or suffer to be converted or occupied the premises for any purpose other than as a private sports ground...", Additionally the Club retains the freehold of the car park and the land where the buildings were.

In 2007/8/9 The Rugby Club raised funds by selling the complete site to Oakmoor, at a sports ground valuation. Subsequently the Club went into Administration. In the process of acquiring the ground, Oakmoor, through their Solicitor, signed a letter undertaking to honour all of the covenants and obligations. Having signed this undertaking, Oakmoor did a number of things which appear to be aimed at keeping sport or sports clubs away from the ground.

A new Rugby Club emerged from the demise of the old club. They appeared to be facing a rent of £60,000 a year which they could not afford and they were forced to leave. There has been no apparent effort to secure any sports club to rent or use the pitches. In fact the opposite is true, as when other possible parties were interested, they were largely ignored or been told "We have other plans for the site."

The successful and profitable pre-school occupying part of the premises were shut down and refused an option to rent their premises.

The buildings were neglected and allowed to deteriorate until they had to be demolished.

In 2013 SMBC's all party committee confirmed as policy, that they would not sell the freehold of the site nor lift the covenants regarding the sites being used for sporting purposes and as ancillaries to sport.

Despite this the Ground has been listed as available, and suitable for 67 mixed residential properties, with no apparent problems that cannot be overcome. Let me list some of them for you.

Permanent loss of sporting facilities - This is just one of the sports grounds which is at risk in the LDP. There is already a shortage of pitches in Solihull and SMBC has a statutory requirement to ensure that all lost pitches are replaced with facilities of equivalent quality and accessibility. It makes more sense to keep what already exists and build houses on more suitable ground elsewhere. You would not have to break any covenants then. Solihull is already rated in the downward quartile in the 50th to 75th position in the National league tables for participation in sport three or more times per week. Not the hot spot Solihull wants to be known by.

Density - The construction of these houses on a smallish site would be about 4-5 times the density of surrounding properties.

Traffic - Traffic is an increasingly difficult problem in Sharmans Cross Road and was made worse by the introduction of several bus routes. In the morning it is very difficult to get out of the house and drive into Solihull and beyond as there is a continuous line of traffic waiting to turn right at Streetsbrook Road. The queue can stretch a very long way up Sharmans Cross Road. The junction of Sharmans Cross and Streetsbrook Roads is quite complex and dangerous and will be made even worse with extra housing.

Parking - It is difficult to see how sufficient parking can be accommodated since most houses have two cars these days and I wouldn't like to see any overspill on Sharmans Cross Road where parking is already a problem.

Flooding - Flooding problems have been raised at least two times previously. It floods very badly during heavy rain because the drains can't cope. It will be far worse if the natural soak away of the rugby ground is concreted over.

Design, Appearance and Environment - This part of Solihull much is valued for its environmental benefits, enjoyed by many residents. Many of the lovely mature trees have tree preservation orders on them and housing will completely destroy this much loved space.

Schools and Medical Centres- Schools are over-subscribed as are medical centres, all struggling to meet demand which will only get worse for everyone with the addition of the occupants of these proposed new houses.

Use of Land - In 2013 SMBC formally minuted its policy for the use of ground to be for sport only and they would not sell the freehold. I would like to see your re-affirmation of this policy, particularly as I understand that the land was gifted to the Council by a lady who specified it be used for leisure purposes only. It has no business being included in the LDP. Previous applications for this site have been refused or withdrawn.