I am a long-time resident of Solihull, and I am writing to express my concern about the proposed development of the Old Rugby Club, Sharmans Cross Road, Site 18 the in the draft local plan supplement - Plan site 245. This proposal will have significant impact on the local community and completely destroy the character of the neighborhood
Sustainability - The National Planning Policy Framework requires developments to have access to local amenities within 800m/10 minutes' walk. The site is 1700m from Solihull town center and 1000m from the station, so this criterion is not met.
If everyone on this new development has cars this will just create chaos to the surrounding roads. Presently Sharmans Cross Road, Streetsbrook Road and Dorchester Road are gridlocked at various times in the day. All the side roads get used as a rat run and they are not capable of taking increased traffic. I walk my dog every day and am becoming increasingly concerned about the queues of standing traffic and pollution at peak times. Since the change of access to the station Dorchester Road now has taxis parked and there is a definite increase of people using this road to drop people off at the station. The parking is often dangerous to both pedestrians, many of them school children and cyclists. An increase of 200 plus cars will create a serious risk and hazard.
Design and appearance - 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 countless residents. Many residents use this space to walk dogs and you can often find school children playing football or just socialising. It is so important to have somewhere that is safe for local people to use. It is also a known habitat for bats and badgers and a variety of bird life.
Schools/Medical facilities - If this development gets the go ahead, I am also concerned on the demand will have on already over stretched facilities. All the local schools and medical centers are already over subscribed and this development will further increase demand leading to a degradation of services for residents.

I really hope you will consider all the concerns from myself and other the residents when deciding on this proposal.

I look forward to your response.