Not as demonstrated in the supplementary update.
Re-provision of sports fields is a good thing, but where is of vital importance.

There has been considerable re-provision of sports fields across the borough. The re-provision element is good. Very often clubs are able to provide improved facilities to their members and encourage more people into active leisure.
Where there is more sensitivity, is over where these provisions are made. Sports clubs are not only beneficial for the physical health of the individuals involved, they play integral roles for communities and mental health, connecting people and place.
When clubs move, their identity often changes. The communities they support change. Access can be impaired for many who derive the greatest benefit from engaging with them. Concentrating many pitches in one area undermines the distinctiveness of local teams. These are important issues that need to be satisfactorily addressed in advance of any permissions being granted.

One factor in favour of Site 4 is sustainable transport provision.
As I stated in my response to the Draft Local Plan Consultation, that whilst I do not support Site 4, it does offer the possibility of connecting Dickens Heath up to Whitlocks End Station. At present there is no safe active transport link between the village centre and the station. However, there are concerns over whether a viable means of delivering this are demonstrated in the masterplan. There appear to be issues over how the site is integrated into the settlement, without disrupting the ancient woodland at Tyburn Coppice.

Very poor reference made to the ancient woodland in the consultation narrative
Whilst the masterplan makes a better job of identifying and addressing the issue of the ancient woodland of Little Tyburn Coppice, the narrative of the supplementary update does not do an adequate job.
Ancient woodland is incredibly important for heritage and habitat. It cannot be replaced, but can easily be disrupted by close proximity of new development. These are the remnants of the ancient Forest of Arden. Whilst small pockets remain, they are increasingly being disrupted and negatively impacted by human activity.
Root systems can be disturbed. Invasive species can accidentally be introduced. Biodiversity can be adversely affected by construction works. These are of vital importance and the ancient woodland needs to be afforded far greater protection than hedgerows or individual trees alone.


It is right to identify Whitlocks End Station, but a much bigger picture is being missed.
There are currently significant traffic problems in the neighbouring environs, the flow from and feed Dickens Heath. Haslucks Green Road, Bills Lane, Dog Kennel Lane, and Tanworth Lane are all experiencing congestion associated with development in this area.
 Connecting to alternative transport provision, like train stations, is good. But that is only a small part of the solution. There are factors that are causing increased car dependency that are outside of the complete control of a Local Plan or a Local Authority. The dislocation of jobs, homes, schools and social activities mean that individuals engage in more complex journeys than previously. Where urban extensions take place, this is exacerbated.
Developments that increase car dependency, like this, should be avoided.