Issues regarding Clopton Crescent.
I write to you in response to your Draft Local Plan Supplementary Consultation (January 2019). In particular, I wish to raise my concerns and object to the proposed allocation of site, Clopton Crescent Depot (site ref: 54). It is understood, that this allocation is now for justthe "depot" and not open space section of land. I have previously objected to the redevelopment of Clopton Crescent and I am pleased to see that the open space/greenfield part of the site is not being taken forward for a housing allocation, due to it being a valued community asset. Should this change, and the open space becomes a consideration for a housing allocation, then I wish to be consulted regarding the inclusion of this part of the site. Myt objection now relates to the proposals to take forward the brownfield part of the site ("The Depot") as a housing allocation. The site, which comprises the Family Tree Club, a memorial and a grass cutting area, are all very well used community facilities.

The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (2004) (as amended) states that local planning authorities, in preparing their development plans, must have regard to national planning policy contained in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), renewed in 2019. The NPPF therefore provides the direction of travel for Local Plans and advises, among other things, that the capacity of existing infrastructure and the need for community facilities should be taken into account in the preparation of them. Whilst I understand that it is also the Government's intention to make effective use of land in a way that makes as much use as possible of previously-developed or 'brownfield' land" (National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (February 2019). It is important to note that footnote 44 to Paragraph 118 states that this is: "except where this would conflict with other policies in this Framework".

The loss of this brownfield land, would conflict in particular with section 8 of the NPPF 'Promoting healthy and safe communities'. Paragraph 91 of the NPPF highlights the importance of achieving healthy, inclusive and safe communities. Part a) of the section advises that policy should aim to: "promote social interaction, including opportunities for meetings between people who might not otherwise come into contact with each other". Part c) goes on to state that policies and decisions should aim to"enable and support healthy lifestyles, especially where this would address identified local health and well-being needs".

Paragraph 92 goes on to state that policy should provide the social, recreational and cultural facilities and services the community needs. In doing so, planning policies should:

"- plan positively for the provision and use of shared spaces, community facilities;
- take into account and support the delivery of local strategies to improve health, social and cultural well-being for all sections of the community;
- guard against the unnecessary loss of valued facilities and services, particularly where this would reduce the community's ability to meet its day-to-day needs; and
- ensure that established shops, facilities and services are able to develop and modernise, and are retained for the benefit of the community".

Community facilities play an intrinsic role in the life of local communities and are crucial for economic, social and environmental sustainability of localities. The safeguarding of community facilities is particularly important in view of factors such as ageing and deprived populations. Researchers continue to demonstrate how important meaningful relationships with others are to our mental, emotional and physical health.



Chelmsley Wood is in the most 10% deprived of neighbourhoods in the country with an increasing ageing population. Community facilities, such as The Family Tree Club and Memorial, where people go to meet one another and interact have been proven to be important to the health and well-being of the local community. The building is used for Remembrance Day and hosts lots of weekend events for families. It is an important social aspect for the community. Should this site be allocated for housing, it would not only conflict with Government health policy, but also Solihull Councils Draft Local Plan, which also promotes health and well-being, as any subsequent Health Impact Assessments produced alongside the Local Plan.

Whilst I am supportive of the redevelopment of brownfield sites in order to meet housing demand, I cannot support the loss of a facility, which is so well used by the community. It should be improved by the Council rather than taken away from the community. I hope you decide to remove the allocation from you Draft Local Plan