Object

Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation

Representation ID: 8772

Received: 15/03/2019

Respondent: Rainier Developments Ltd - Land at Widney Manor Road

Agent: Barton Willmore Planning

Representation Summary:

We broadly agree with the methodology but raise issues with the manner in which it has been applied to the site assessment process. Specifically, we object to the manner in which our site (site assessment reference 407) has been assessed as 'red'. We do not agree with the conclusion that it will have 'severe or widespread impacts that are not outweighed by the benefits of the proposal'. We disagree that no defensible Green Belt boundary can be established. The site comprises predominantly grassland pasture and surrounding vegetation. The sense of openness is, therefore, already limited to some extent. Development of the site would contribute towards increasing the built form and therefore reduce the sense of openness experienced in views across the site where available. However, that sense of openness has already been eroded by the surrounding built form. The site has clear boundaries that follow Widney Manor Road to the west, strong vegetation to the east and the built form and rear gardens of properties along Lovelace Avenue to the south. development of the site will not contribute to 'unrestricted sprawl' or 'the merging of neighbouring towns'. We do not agree that landscape presents a constraint to development as the character assessment is broad in nature and a more site-specific assessment may come to a different view. We consider the site has very high accessibility. It is within a highly sustainable location, being in very close proximity to Widney Manor Station, St. Alphege primary school and Solihull Sixth Form College. A number of secondary schools are also relatively close. There are no constraints which cannot be mitigated.

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