I am writing to re-iterate my concern over the proposal that this site in Sharmans Cross Road, which is designated for sporting use, and has the Council's commitment to keep it as such, has been identified as a development site for up to 100 residential dwellings. I last registered my concern in February 2017, and note that traffic congestion and road safety have become more significant issues in these last two years.
I note my reasons below in priority order:
1. Traffic congestion / road safety
This development will add serious congestion to a road system that is already under enormous pressure. Streetsbrook Road is already jammed by around 7.30am. The situation builds up, and from 8am - 9am traffic is regularly backed up to the junior school, meaning that to even reach Streeetsbrook Road takes at least 15 minutes. We, as residents, have to face the fact that any journey in the morning peak time will start with a 20-30 minute crawl in the car up to the Solihull town centre. I cannot therefore see how an extra 100+ cars turning right out of this site can even be considered.

2. Increased danger to pedestrians and cyclists

The pavement on Sharmans Cross Road (South side) is a designated pedestrian and cycle route, and is regularly used as such. All ingress/egress from this site will cross straight over this designated route. At present, a number of children attending Sharmans Cross School and Tudor Grange Academy walk unaccompanied to school; some also cycle on the pavements. I cannot see how this will remain a safe option for local school children as they will have to cross a busy junction to make this journey.

3. Out of character development

A development of this size is seriously out of keeping with the neighborhood. The area surrounding, and near to, this site is made up of detached and semi-detached properties, with ample gardens, spacious driveways, and many well established trees. There is reasonable space between properties to allow residents privacy in their own homes and gardens. A development of 60-100 houses increases the density of house 4-5 fold (comparing to neighbouring Winterbourne Road), and even more if compared to Welcombe Grove to the north side of the plot. Any high-storey buildings required to achieve this density risk encroaching on neighbours' privacy. Noise from the site will obviously increase significantly, to the detriment to existing residents.
The mention of affordable homes causes huge me concern, as I understand that this most likely means housing association use. This area of Solihull is one of the most prestigious parts of the town, and is where professionals have chosen to live. Housing association residents will permanently and adversely change the feel of the neighbourhood, and the experience for those living nearby.
4. Degradation in the appearance of the area.
This area of Solihull is highly valued for its environmental benefits, and contains many mature trees with Tree Preservation Orders. Development of houses will destroy this space which is enjoyed by many residents. It is also a known habitat for bats and badgers. We have indeed seen bats in this area and even had one fly into our house recently. Any development on this site will have terrible, and lasting, damage to the environmental pleasures of this area.
5. Increased surface water flooding
Sharmans Cross Road already becomes impassable in times of heavy rain, directly outside of our house. Water simply cannot drain away fast enough. I understand that loss of grass/field to paved surfaces exacerbates flooding of surface water, so I feel very concerned that this flooding situation will only get worse with any development on this playing field. Photographs of such flooding have been reported in the local Solihull papers in the past.

6. Permanent loss of sporting facility
At a time when obesity is gripping the nation, and people of all ages are being encouraged to partake in more sport for their physical and mental wellbeing, the loss of any sporting land seems incomprehensible. I understand that there are a number of sports clubs who want to make use of this land but are being prevented from doing so by unrealistic rents from the current owners (property developers). I understand, also, that SMBC formally minuted in 2013 its policy with regard to the use of the grounds only for sport, and that they would not sell the freehold on this land. I trust that there is no change on this. In any event, there is a covenant of this land for sporting use.

7. Conflict with National Planning Policy Framework
I have read the National Planning Policy Framework, with particular focus on the section 'Promoting Healthy Communities'. This potential development works in opposition to such framework, which stipulates the following guidance on use of green space:

I trust that my objection to this site as a possible development site will be read and understood. As a local resident, close to this area, I am more than happy to support any of the points that I have made.