With reference to the Local Development Proposed Housing Allocation Site 18, I understand that in 2013 there was a SMBC all party committee meeting which agreed that the freehold for the Solihull Rugby Ground on Sharmans Cross Road would not be sold and that the covenants for the ground be honoured, with the land only to be used for sporting purposes. The LDP Proposed Housing Allocation Site 18 is in direct conflict with this and I urge the rejection of this proposal.

Furthermore I also understand that Silhill Football Club have requested use of the pitches for football and have approached Oakmoor the leaseholder who have proposed an annual fee of £60,000. This is outrageous as Oakmoor pay just £250 per annum. Oakmoor clearly have no interest in using the ground for sporting purposes nor the local community and wish to use the ground for their own gain. I consider this a disgrace and SMBC should rescind the lease with Oakmoor and ensure the use for sporting purposes as intended.

Additional points relating to LDP Proposed Housing Allocation Site 18 which concern me are:

* Loss of sporting facilities and green land - as Solihull continues to grow, the sporting facilities should grow with it and not be reduced. This proposal is a further loss of green land and reduced recreational facilities in the centre of Solihull. I believe that there is already a shortage of rugby and football pitches in the area which need safeguarding. I have lived in Solihull for 57 years and over this time have been saddened to see our parks, playing fields and green spaces eroded. These valuable and essential spaces need protecting for a health future of Solihull.

* Scale & Density - The proposed development plan of 67/100 houses would represent a density of 4 - 5 times that of the surrounding area. This is completely out of character and inappropriate for the location.

* Traffic issues / Access & Egress - The area is already very busy with traffic and the addition of a significant number of dwellings will compound the situation. Parking is also a major issue in this area. LDP Proposed Housing Allocation Site 18 will only compound the situation.

* Drainage & Sewage - The area already suffers from poor drainage, excess surface water and when there is heavy rainfall there is sewage overflow. The loss of pitches and a new housing development will exasperate the situation and put increased pressure on the already inadequate drainage system

* Solihull Arden Rackets Club - The club (of which I am a member) currently utilises parking on the rugby club ground. Despite this at peak times there is inadequate parking space. The reduced parking for the rackets club would cause serious difficulties which would compound the above mentioned traffic and parking issues. In addition I fear that with the potential disruption during the lengthy building process, this could result in the loss of many members which ultimately could result in the closure of the club, leading to the potential loss of more green land and further reduce the recreational facilities in the centre of Solihull.


I do not consider LDP Proposed Housing Allocation Site 18 to be in the interest of Solihull and I urge the rejection to this proposal.