Object

Representation ID: 8555

Received: 14/03/2019

Respondent: Gladman Developments

Supports the use of the Standard Methodology for assessing local housing need however believes there is a strong case for the requirement to be uplifted above this point. HS2 and associated transport infrastructure improvements will enhance connections between the Borough and wider urban area. The UK Central Hub proposals aims to secure long term benefits to regional economy and sufficient homes should be planned for in the authority and wider HMA area to support this. Failure to plan for this could lead to affordability pressures, unsustainable commuting patterns and reduce the economic benefits which might be secured from HS2. Questions basis for the 2,000 increase above the standard methodology figure to accommodate HMA needs and why a larger figure has not been pursued. There is no discussion to the wider shortfall of which 70% declared unmet need within the HMA remains. It is clear that in order to secure a successful outcome across the HMA authorities will need to come together and adopt a memorandum of understanding to set out how the unmet need will be addressed. There are strong justifications for Solihull to accommodate a larger proportion of this unmet need, migratory links between Solihull and Birmingham are amongst strongest in HMA, Solihull will benefit significantly from improvements to the quality and frequency of public transport connections, benefitting directly from HS2. Is the location for over 100,000 jobs as well as Birmingham Airport and the NEC. The role of Solihull within the West Midlands economy will evolve with the UK Central Hub.