Please accept this e-mail as a formal objection to the proposed development at the rugby club and tennis grounds on Sharmans Cross Road.


It is an absolute discredit to even consider spoiling one of Solihull's most profound and greener areas. Solihull itself is well known for its greenery, plantations and extensive greenlands. This would effectively destroy all of this as well as any nature / wildlife that currently occupies the site. We have come to love the area for its tranquillity and undisturbed habitat but this ludicrous proposal which has been suggestive for a few years now would contribute towards creating a concrete jungle. There are plenty of other areas around the West Midlands that would benefit more from such developments and having this development here would diminish Solihull of its identity and exclusivity.


Traffic & Congestion - The traffic is already somewhat bad on the road and the adjoining roads - you only have to see this in the mornings and evenings to understand. I do not want to be in a position where it takes an hour to go 1 mile up the road.


Schools & Doctors - These are all bursting at the seams already. It takes several attempts to see a doctor at the moment with my local surgery. With an increased population this will be near impossible - please consider this ramification for the elderly and those who require immediate consultations. Schools are already difficult to get into within the borough and are oversubscribed. This will only get worse if an influx of residents arrive to the area.


Sporting facilities - There are lots of sporting events that take place at both sites and members use the grounds extensively. Where will these people go to if the ground is taken away? It was quoted that SMBC has a statutory requirement to ensure loss of pitches are replaced with facilities of equivalent quality and accessibility. Sport England found that Solihull is in the 3rd quartile nationally for over-16 participation in sport and continues to fall in national league tables. If this land is replaced by housing then this statistic would decline exponentially.


Legal Covenant - The 2013 all party policy on the Rugby Club maintaining the 'sports only ground' covenant and NOT selling the freehold would be maintained at any cost. This policy should be re-affirmed that has strictly said that any such development is NOT appropriate for inclusion in the local development plan (LDP) and the ground should be removed from the LDP for any housing scheme


Privacy for existing households - Additional development will affect the privacy of the surrounding dwellings by reducing natural light where the proposed houses overlook gardens. The proposal suggests a mix of family sized town houses and terraced dwellings, plus dwellings for apartments and underground car parking. Just stop to take a look around the area please. The existing houses all have character and something appealing about them. Newer developments would not even come close to this especially squashed behind existing property. This type of mixed, large-scale development in this setting will greatly alter the nature of this area. Solihull has some of the most prestigious and sought-after property in the whole of the West Midlands that cannot be replicated. This unique character should be maintained and not devalued. Opportunities for crime, congestion and the general cleanliness of the surroundings will increase as a consequence.


Trees and conservation orders - The site is flat, its boundaries contain mature vegetation and trees, much of it protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) . Removal of mature and protected trees will contribute to local and global climate changes. Removal of very mature tree roots will also affect ground conditions, i.e. increased risk of flooding and cost to rectify foundations affected.


Flooding - Sharmans Cross Road has been prone to flooding over the years and any development entailing changes to the existing landscape and roads will increase the problem of poor surface water drainage.


Distance to local amenities - This proposed site will not be within walking distance to Solihull town centre or Solihull train station which breaches policy set by the National Planning & Policy Framework of having local amenities within an 800m distance.


Policy considerations - This proposed development does nothing to protect and enhance the amenities of existing residents and are contrary to policies P14 and P15 of the Solihull Local Plan that are supposed to protect Solihull and its existing residents from inappropriate development.

The proposed sites are of great historical importance to the area. Not only have they stood as landmarks for Solihull but also serve as recreational grounds for many who have a keen interest in sport. This should not be taken away from those who have been using the facilities for a prolonged period of time. To my knowledge there is not another Rugby club for some distance away from this one. The tennis club also has other sporting facilities available and is busy so the addition of a housing development would cause chaos for those wanting to enjoy recreational time and those wanting to have access to their properties.

Please think about this rationally and carefully. The unspoilt habitat will be completely destroyed and such a development will bring the area into dismay. This is completely the incorrect dwelling for a housing development. I do agree that there is a housing shortage but there are plenty of other sites that would benefit more from this. Please do NOT go about destroying an area that boasts a certain reputation and is held in high esteem within the West Midlands. Consideration should be given to existing residents and not to developers who are interested in seeking financial gain.