Local Development Plan Site 245
As a local resident of many years, I write yet again to illustrate my real concerns surrounding the proposed development of the Rugby Ground situated on Sharmans Cross Road and adjacent to Arden Tennis Club, Solihull.

This is the third occasion in the last few years where attempts have been made to develop this site which is owned by Solihull Council and that has always been used for a sporting purpose. These sites should remain for the use of local communities. The current owner of the old Rugby Club Site, Oakmoor, clearly brought the ground for the purpose of developing the Land with no intention to continue with it as a sporting facility.

There is little doubt that many thousands of pounds may have exchanged hands between Oakmoor and the old Rugby Club and there can be little doubt that their intention from the outset was to prevent the use of this area for a sporting purpose.

I understand it was Solihull Council that purchased the ground many years ago to ensure that it remained available for sporting purposes, and on buying this ground they then leased it back to the Rugby Club for a modest sum of £250 a year.

We all know that the Rugby Club fell into financial difficulties and it was at this time that Oakmoor stepped in to buy the lease and probably spent many thousands of pounds to do so.

It can also be said that they did this, no doubt, to develop this land at a later date at a considerable profit.

We understand that the Developers have done much to deter other Sporting Clubs renting the land. The previous buildings which were on site were allowed to deteriorate so they had to be demolished. We now find out that despite all the history to this ground it is proposed to allow the development of in excess 67 mixed residential properties with no apparent problems identified that cannot be overcome.The density of such a site would be much greater than the surrounding area, completely altering the character and distinctiveness of this particular area of Solihull. We already have inadequate medical and school facilities for the current residents around this site and there is also already a considerable parking problem and dense traffic in surrounding areas particularly at peak periods.

There are very few green sites currently available within the residential areas of Solihull and we also know there are sites available on the outskirts. Local people keep being told that provision of sporting sites will be made available elsewhere but it is local people and local children that need sporting facilities within their communities so that they do not have to travel in cars or on buses to reach such facilities.

Another matter that raises considerable concern is the value of such a piece of land for housing development, I am not sure how much Solihull Council paid for this site, but it must be worth in excess of 5 million pounds. What is Solihull's proposal to obtain the true value of this ground from any prospective developer.

Finally the use of this ground for development will do nothing to satisfy the needs of the Community and the Council must listen to their local communities and ensure that land such as this, that is primarily for sporting purposes is not lost. There are many brown field sites around the Borough that could be used as an alternative.