Dear Policy & Spatial Planning Department:
I am a resident of Solihull, and I am writing to express my concerns 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 a detrimental impact on local sporting facilities and is not in keeping with the surrounding roads to Sharmans Cross. This will result in the destruction of character and will diminish the distinctiveness of the area.
In 2013 an SMBC all party committee meeting affirmed as "POLICY" that they would not sell the freehold of the Sharmans Cross sports ground or lift the covenants regarding the sites use as being for sporting purposes and as ancillaries to sport. Since this time the amount of local sports facilities is Solihull gas continued to fall and yet the council now seem to be prepared to overlook their own policy. This is wrong.
I am also concerned with that the development will destroy the character of the neighborhood. 100 houses are effectively 4-5 times the density of property on Winterbourne Rd. This is unacceptable overdevelopment of the site and will be both out-of-scale and out- of-character in its appearance compared to existing development in the vicinity. Property in this area is highly sought after because of its distinctiveness and I fear this could become the thin end of a very large wedge allowing the character of the area to change. If allowed, how long will it be before the proposed development grows to take over the rest of the surrounding open space.
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.
I therefore object and ask that SMBC remove the Rugby Ground from the Draft LDP. That SMBC Honour the policy agreed in 2013 and retain the sports ground for its intended purpose.

I look forward to your response.