Development of 67/100 houses on Sharmans Cross Road LDP Proposed Housing Allocation site 18
I wish to state my objection to the above proposed development. It was made clear in 2013 that there was all party policy on the Rugby ground maintaining the sports ground only covenant and not selling the freehold be retained. It was clear then and actually even clearer today that this policy should stand.
In particular the increase in Traffic in Sharmans Cross Road since 2013 has been significant. I live at 59 Sharmans Cross Road and in the morning rush hour the traffic heading towards Solihull now backs up from near the football club. That was not the case in 2013.
It is very clear that the road system in and around this proposed development simply will not cope with additional traffic. It is also clear that access in and out of the development is limited thereby adding to the existing problem.
Already Sharmans Cross Road at School opening ,closing and lunchtimes is congested. It is dangerous at the moment both for vehicle traffic but also for pedestrians and especially children. Any development will increase those significant risks. I know already that people working in Solihull are parking in the side roads to avoid parking charges and this just adds to the problem. I am concerned at the prospect of Emergency Vehicles being held up in the future caused by additional housing traffic.
Throughout the winter months Sharmans Cross Road is subject to flooding in the areas directly around the entrance to the Arden Tennis club. This would need to be addressed urgently before any development could take place and it is apparent that over the years all attempts to rectify this have failed. The development will add to the flooding problem.
One major concern is that there is no room to build new schools or create new medical facilities in an area already oversubscribed to accommodate increased housing in this location.
Education and medical access are vital to the wellbeing and comfort of a neighbourhood and this would be drastically reduced by this development.
I understand this is just one of five at risk sports ground in the LDP. Surely the Council has a statutory responsibility to ensure lost pitches are replaced with facilities of equivalent quality and accessibility. The fact is Solihull according to Sport England is in the 3rd quartile nationally for over 16 participation in sport three times per week and continues to fall in the Nation league table. This in itself is a primary reason for the Council to deny any development in Sharmans Cross Road.
In conclusion I and many others recognise that the Government policy is to increase housing and there is good reason for that. The fact is this proposed planed development is surely NOT something the Government intended in addressing what I accept is a serious issue.
There are other options and othe sites that do not remove sporting facilities that can be found.
I conclude by stating my objection to this proposed development.