Question 22 - Infrastructure Requirements at Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Health
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8536
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Mrs Sarah Letters
I believe that an increase of c. 600 homes in the Knowle area will damage the character of the settlement, for the worse and will put increasing pressure on infrastructure (roads, parking etc), that will not easily be remedied. I do not believe that it is only possible to address some of these infrastructure issues if there is a higher number of residents in the area; conversely I think these matters can and should be remedied before there is such a significant increase - which is greater than the amount proposed at any of the other sites.
I believe that an increase of c. 600 homes in the Knowle area will damage the character of the settlement, for the worse and will put increasing pressure on infrastructure (roads, parking etc), that will not easily be remedied. I do not believe that it is only possible to address some of these infrastructure issues if there is a higher number of residents in the area; conversely I think these matters can and should be remedied before there is such a significant increase - which is greater than the amount proposed at any of the other sites.
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8581
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Mr Brian Hillman
The local plan does not identify the various pinch points in the infrastructure which are obvious to local residents i.e. Knowle High Street, Warwick and Grove Road.
The local plan does not identify the various pinch points in the infrastructure which are obvious to local residents i.e. Knowle High Street, Warwick and Grove Road.
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8591
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Kim Hulse
I support the levy and some of the improvements to the area, but all the proposed changes and volume of housing affects the very nature and community of Knowle.
I don't think the highway improvements are enough. I think the volume of traffic in the area, particular the main routes in and out will be significantly worse. It;s hard enough to cross certain roads safely now.
I don't think there are enough benefits to the community outlined above to pay for the volume of development (of course some is welcome)
I support the levy and some of the improvements to the area, but all the proposed changes and volume of housing affects the very nature and community of Knowle.
I don't think the highway improvements are enough. I think the volume of traffic in the area, particular the main routes in and out will be significantly worse. It;s hard enough to cross certain roads safely now.
I don't think there are enough benefits to the community outlined above to pay for the volume of development (of course some is welcome)
Support
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8606
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Liz Moloney
Relocate Catholic Primary St George & St Teresa
There are four new primary schools proposed in plan for this schoool's catchment. Demonstrate proportionality and common sense. Why not expand one of the most successful school's in the Borough - no faith cap as not new school
I totally support the provision of a new catholic primary school on the site as first indicated on the Draft Local Plan at KDBH. I would ask the Council to take into account the expansion of St George & St Teresa School to a 2 form entry school. This is a top performing Solihull school. All children in the Borough should be treated fairly. The school has been oversubscribed for many years and despite Council policy to accommodate siblings and extend other facilities this school has received no such funding, nor expansion on the back of houses already built. The current school site is in call for sites and if the land was released would open up an opportunity to improve transport and parking which local residents are concerned about in infrastructure. Also please could Councillors ensure that planners only allow beautiful development whatever the size of house as this is a one of opportunity.
Comment
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8611
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Mr Gordon OConnor
I support and endorse the response of the Knowle Dorridge and Bentley Heath Forum. I accept that there may be need for new development but l expect the Council to adopt the measures set out in the KDBH neighbourhood plan and in particular l require detailed proposals in relation to infrastructure of highways, transport, education and recreation to be set out before any detailed residential development is approved as all of the existing infrastructure is already overstretched . If you want Solihull to be a beautiful place to live then this must be a priority.
I support and endorse the response of the Knowle Dorridge and Bentley Heath Forum. I accept that there may be need for new development but l expect the Council to adopt the measures set out in the KDBH neighbourhood plan and in particular l require detailed proposals in relation to infrastructure of highways, transport, education and recreation to be set out before any detailed residential development is approved as all of the existing infrastructure is already overstretched . If you want Solihull to be a beautiful place to live then this must be a priority.
Comment
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8613
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Mr Gordon OConnor
I repeat my response above and in particular stress that details need to be addressed and published as a priority.
(Supports response by KDBH Neighbourhood Plan in other representations)
I repeat my response above and in particular stress that details need to be addressed and published as a priority.
Support
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8625
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Mr Kar Karan
I agree with infrastructure requirements to meet the demands for additional housing
I agree with infrastructure requirements to meet the demands for additional housing
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8631
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Mr Andrew Freeman
There is no evidence that quantifies the likely pressure on existing infrastructure and whether such pressure can be satisfactorily mitigated.
There is no evidence that quantifies the likely pressure on existing infrastructure and whether such pressure can be satisfactorily mitigated.
Support
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8643
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Mr Ken Currran
I support the infrastructure requirements
I support the infrastructure requirements
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8652
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Mr Andrew Moore
The absence of any detailed reports on the roads and congestion that will be generated by over development of the area known as the Arden triangle is of grave concern. Knowle is a conservation area and after the A41 was downgraded (now the A4177) when the M40 opened traffic decreased.
Now with the proposal of 2 new schools and circa 1200 new homes planned in the Arden Triangle with no plan or data whatsoever for the increased traffic seems absurd and negligent. Knowle High Street can barely cope with current traffic levels let alone the over development planned.
The absence of any detailed reports on the roads and congestion that will be generated by over development of the area known as the Arden triangle is of grave concern. Knowle is a conservation area and after the A41 was downgraded (now the A4177) when the M40 opened traffic decreased.
Now with the proposal of 2 new schools and circa 1200 new homes planned in the Arden Triangle with no plan or data whatsoever for the increased traffic seems absurd and negligent. Knowle High Street can barely cope with current traffic levels let alone the over development planned.
Support
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8666
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Mr Ved Goswami
Agree with infrastructure requirements
Agree with infrastructure requirements
Support
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8668
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Lansdowne Property Developers Limited
I agree with the infrastructure requirements identified for the area
I agree with the infrastructure requirements identified for the area
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8672
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Mr Steve Coathup
You state that the plan provides an opportunity for KDBH, what evidence or example do you have? You refer to potential extra off road parking provision but give no indication of where this might be. Do you have any calculations of requirement?
There is already great difficulty in arranging doctors appointments in the area. The 2 nearest practices are Knowle Surgery and Dorridge Surgery. Both may have to close their lists to new residents in order to maintain service levels. No account has been taken of extra traffic on Knowle High St, or the M42 junction.
You state that the plan provides an opportunity for KDBH, what evidence or example do you have? You refer to potential extra off road parking provision but give no indication of where this might be. Do you have any calculations of requirement?
There is already great difficulty in arranging doctors appointments in the area. The 2 nearest practices are Knowle Surgery and Dorridge Surgery. Both may have to close their lists to new residents in order to maintain service levels. No account has been taken of extra traffic on Knowle High St, or the M42 junction.
Support
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8674
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Ms Malika Goswami
I support the identified infrastructure requirements
I support the identified infrastructure requirements
Support
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8682
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: mr Karan Goswami
I agree with the infrastructure requirements identified for Knowle, Dorridge & Bentley Heath,
I agree with the infrastructure requirements identified for Knowle, Dorridge & Bentley Heath,
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8725
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Mrs Jill Collins
Impossible to improve highways to cope with traffic generated by developments on sites 8/9.
There is no way of widening Knowle High Street. Bypass plan has been abandoned, but that would not alleviate congestion between Knowle and M42/Solihull, neither would a one-way system round Knowle.
Warwick Road currently heavily congested in mornings/evenings. Add traffic from site 9 and it would be standstill. Traffic from site 8 at Hampton Road would cause gridlock.
Proposed small primary school would not cope with children from sites 8/9 - especially if current Catholic primary school is closed and site used for even more housing.
It is absolutely impossible to improve the highway structure to cope with the traffic generated by developments on sites 8 and 9.
There is no way of widening Knowle High Street. The bypass plan has been abandoned, but that would not have alleviated congestion between Knowle and the M42 and on into Solihull, neither would a one-way system round Knowle.
The Warwick Road is currently heavily congested in the mornings and evenings. Add the traffic from site 9 and it would be at a standstill. Traffic from site 8 trying to join from Hampton Road would cause gridlock.
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8727
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Paul & Anne Wilson Ramsay
Primary objection: Residential sites 8 & 9 in Knowle are allocated within existing green belt land.
Draft plan for 900 additional homes increases existing population in Knowle (census 2011) by 20%.
State funding for a new primary school should be financed through government not section 106 agreements. There is no mention of relocation of Arden School (10FE), or relocation of St George and St Teresa Catholic Primary School (1FE). There are no proposals to increase secondary places at Arden School. No consideration has been given to mains services to proposed housing, including electricity, gas, water supply, mains drainage, telecommunications.
Primary objection: Residential sites 8 & 9 in Knowle are allocated within existing green belt land.
Draft plan for 900 additional homes increases existing population in Knowle (census 2011) by 20%.
State funding for a new primary school should be financed through government not section 106 agreements. There is no mention of relocation of Arden School (10FE), or relocation of St George and St Teresa Catholic Primary School (1FE). There are no proposals to increase secondary places at Arden School. No consideration has been given to mains services to proposed housing, including electricity, gas, water supply, mains drainage, telecommunications.
Comment
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8889
Received: 14/03/2019
Respondent: Kler Group - Gentleshaw Lane
Agent: Cerda Planning Ltd
- Support the detailed assessment as to what is required for the settlement for the future since underpinning the Draft Local Plan Supplementary Consultation is an anticipation that KDBH will make a major contribution to accommodating not only the Borough's housing needs, but also those of the wider HMA.
- It is noted that paragraph 227 sets out a short justification for a new primary school in the area which is proposed on site 9.
- Masterplans only identify features of sites that 'may' need to be retained. Details would need to be refined through a iterative planning application process.
see attached document
Comment
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8972
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Mrs Elizabeth Hulse
I support the representations made on behalf of KDBH Neighbourhood Forum.
I am concerned about the primary school places, especially if development goes ahead on the St George and St Teresa Site.
A road infrastructure plan to cover the inevitable increase in traffic levels is required. Relocation of schools does not remove traffic problems simply moves them to the south of the village and onto the existing High Street.
I support the representations made on behalf of KDBH Neighbourhood Forum.
I am concerned about the primary school places, especially if development goes ahead on the St George and St Teresa Site.
A road infrastructure plan to cover the inevitable increase in traffic levels is required. Relocation of schools does not remove traffic problems simply moves them to the south of the village and onto the existing High Street.
Support
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 8974
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Councillor Max McLoughlin
Support growth as means to address affordable housing needs of area, which should take a larger share of housing. This could offset reductions in other areas where there are greater constraints, and provide a more proportionate distribution.
Development near to Dorridge Station should be prioritised strategically as a sustainable travel location. Defensible boundaries exist.
By and large, yes.
The affordable housing requirements of the area have historically been met by other areas. There is an issue of the fairness of this on other communities.
However, there is scant development in the vicinity of Dorridge Station. By way of Sustainable travel, this should be prioritised strategically. I recognise that there are defensible boundaries in the area. However, there are planning constraints in other areas that are not given as much weight, namely in Blythe.
There is an overall concern that the proportionality of development means that KDBH are not taking as large a share of the housing delivery as they may be creating. Whilst moving within the borough should be welcomed, areas that see their affordable housing provision being bought by families from KDBH could have reason to feel frustration.
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 9027
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Mrs Jo Guy
Given the amount of housing envisaged I do not see and indication that the impact of the palm on the provision of primary and secondary health care have been reflected in the infrastructure requirements for Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath. The increase in population is roughly equivalent to a whole GP list in Knowle alone and would also place significant pressure on hospital and community service and additional provisions to accommodate this activity will undoubtedly be required.
Given the amount of housing envisaged I do not see and indication that the impact of the palm on the provision of primary and secondary health care have been reflected in the infrastructure requirements for Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath. The increase in population is roughly equivalent to a whole GP list in Knowle alone and would also place significant pressure on hospital and community service and additional provisions to accommodate this activity will undoubtedly be required.
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 9078
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Dr Linda Parsons
These suggestions for infrastructure, whilst laudable, are paving a way for overdevelopment of the area in particular Knowle.
Knowle would be destroyed by more development. The character of the village is paramount. It will not survive an influx of 2000 more people let alone all their cars.
Why does Hampton in Arden have the statement that it should be protected from excessive development to protect its character when Knowle does not? Knowle should and deserves to have the same protection.
These suggestions for infrastructure, whilst laudable, are paving a way for overdevelopment of the area in particular Knowle.
Knowle would be destroyed by more development. The character of the village is paramount. It will not survive an influx of 2000 more people let alone all their cars.
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 9086
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Dr Lucy Hillman
The proposal to build 600-1000 homes in the Knowle and Dorridge area will affect greatly the nature of the villages. The infrastructure is not there, extra traffic through Knowle high street will ruin the nature of historic Knowle, the roads are already very busy, the schools full, the GPs surgery unable to meet local demands already. The infrastructure is not there to support the proposal. The fact that green belt land is being used is alarming when there are other much better suited areas to take this development closer to Solihull where there is better and more infrastructure.
The proposal to build 600-1000 homes in the Knowle and Dorridge area will affect greatly the nature of the villages. The infrastructure is not there, extra traffic through Knowle high street will ruin the nature of historic Knowle, the roads are already very busy, the schools full, the GPs surgery unable to meet local demands already. The infrastructure is not there to support the proposal. The fact that green belt land is being used is alarming when there are other much better suited areas to take this development closer to Solihull where there is better and more infrastructure.
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 9118
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Mr Kym Soni
Scale of development incapable of being supported satisfactorily by Kenilworth and Warwick Roads.
No highway improvements could be made to cope with the additional commuter & school run traffic. Cyclists would find it risky because of parked cars.
Emergency vehicles would struggle to reach vulnerable people in time. Children would be exposed to pollution from stationary traffic.
Kenilworth Road is popular with walkers, who enjoy the ambience of the countryside & canal. Proven to have health benefits. Urbanisation by the proposed development would destroy that amenity.
Scale of development incapable of being supported satisfactorily by Kenilworth and Warwick Roads.
No highway improvements could be made to cope with the additional commuter & school run traffic. Cyclists would find it risky because of parked cars.
Emergency vehicles would struggle to reach vulnerable people in time. Children would be exposed to pollution from stationary traffic.
Kenilworth Road is popular with walkers, who enjoy the ambience of the countryside & canal. Proven to have health benefits. Urbanisation by the proposed development would destroy that amenity.
Comment
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 9121
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Mr John Allen
With approximately 20,000 people already living in this area, to promote a further increase in the population as an incentive to increase public transport is unbelievable, given the population density these should already be provided.
With approximately 20,000 people already living in this area, to promote a further increase in the population as an incentive to increase public transport is unbelievable, given the population density these should already be provided.
Comment
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 9122
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Mr Russell Blake
I support the comments of the KDBH forum neighbourhood plan response.
In addition personally I believe that there is not enough detail provided here regarding the scope and impact of these infrastructure requirements to meet the suggested housing need in Knowle and surrounding area.
Why has the spatial strategy of the Council not been updated at the same time as this review. As it may address impact questions.
I am also concerned that no weight is given here to the impact which the anticipated infrastructure changes will have for example on planning considerations for green belt and heritage / conservation.
I support the comments of the KDBH forum neighbourhood plan response.
In addition personally I believe that there is not enough detail provided here regarding the scope and impact of these infrastructure requirements to meet the suggested housing need in Knowle and surrounding area.
Why has the spatial strategy of the Council not been updated at the same time as this review. As it may address impact questions.
I am also concerned that no weight is given here to the impact which the anticipated infrastructure changes will have for example on planning considerations for green belt and heritage / conservation.
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 9135
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Dr Paul Rylah
Of course it would be great to have all these improvements- but there is absolutely no guarantee that any will materialise. It's exactly the same nonsense being propagated by the Arden Chief Executive, promising a new school with every facility you could ever dream of having - but with no budget certainty and a complete suspension of reality. There simply won't be a sufficient dividend from these developments to fund all these infrastructure improvements, and no one is going to prioritise swimming pols and theatres over other far more pressing infrastructure improvements. Which improvements will we get in reality?
Of course it would be great to have all these improvements- but there is absolutely no guarantee that any will materialise. It's exactly the same nonsense being propagated by the Arden Chief Executive, promising a new school with every facility you could ever dream of having - but with no budget certainty and a complete suspension of reality. There simply won't be a sufficient dividend from these developments to fund all these infrastructure improvements, and no one is going to prioritise swimming pols and theatres over other far more pressing infrastructure improvements. Which improvements will we get in reality?
Object
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 9137
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: Mrs Karen Allen
I object to development in this area; infrastructure (e.g.roads/doctors) can't support it. No development on Green Belt Land. Birmingham to use brown field sites. Do not relocate Arden Academy.
It is nonsense to say that improved public transport would be viable. If this statement were to hold true then we would already have good public transport provision, however this is not the case and public transport has recently deteriorated with the revised bus timetables. The level of income for the people in this area mean that they can afford cars. Parking at Dorridge railway station should remain free to encourage use of trains even if another deck was included. If a new Primary school is included it should be separate from Arden Academy. This area benefits from diversity in schooling and this needs to continue. This new primary school should be within local authority control.Section 106 funding should not be used to relocate Arden Academy. The section 106 money is needed for other infrastructure improvements and facilities.
We already have a swimming pool and theatre within 4 miles and it is unlikely that the area could financially support another of each. Doctors are already oversubscribed in the area. Objects to Solihull and in particular Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath being used to provide the Wider Housing Market Area allocation; there are plenty of derelict and brown field sites in Birmingham that should be built on first and definitely before any green belt land is built on. Roads in this area are unable to accommodate additional traffic, particularly Station Road and Widney Road.
Improved Public Transport - the exsting population of this area numbers 20,000+ people, if this statement were to hold true then we would already have good public transport provision, however this is not the case and public transport has recently deteriorated with the revised bus timetables. The level of income for the people in this area mean that they can afford cars, plural. It is nonsense to say that improved public transport would be viable.
Parking - at Dorridge railway station should remain free to encourage use of trains even if another deck was included.
If a new Primary school is included it should be separate from Arden Academy. This area benefits from diversity in schooling and this needs to continue. This new primary school should be within local authority control.
Section 106 funding should not be used to relocate Arden Academy. The section 106 money is needed for other infrastructure improvements and facilities.
We already have a swimming pool and theatre within 4 miles and it is unlikely that the area could financially support another of each.
I object to any development on Green Belt Land.
Doctors are already oversubscribed in the area.
I object to Solihull and in particular Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath being used to provide the Wider Housing Market Area allocation; there are plenty of derelict and brown field sites in Birmingham that should be built on first and definitely before any green belt land is built on.
The roads in this area are unable to accommodate additional traffic, particularly Station Road and Widney Road, both of which have schools located on them. At school opening/closing times the pavements are already inadequated and overflowing. Need indoor and outdoor facilities for older children and teenagers. Houses already provided via infill should be counted as contributing to the housing allocation for the area.
Comment
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 9270
Received: 15/03/2019
Respondent: IM Land
Agent: Barton Willmore Planning
Paragraph 220 states that a mix of market and affordable housing, as well as smaller market homes for young people wishing to remain in the area and specialist housing to meet the needs of older people will provided in the settlement. As can be seen within Appendix 3 there is the potential to provide extra care housing within the Site, as required, to benefit the area
See Letters
Support
Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation
Representation ID: 9297
Received: 20/03/2019
Respondent: Duchy Homes Ltd
Agent: Barton Willmore Planning
Yes, we would agree. Our Site would be able to provide much needed housing within Dorridge, which is in a highly sustainable and accessible location. Furthermore, developer contributions from this development could assist in meeting the infrastructure improvements as identified within the consultation document
see letter
Barton Willmore LLP is instructed by Duchy Homes Ltd (the 'Client') to submit representations to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council's Draft Local Plan Regulation 18 Supplementary consultation (the 'draft Plan') in relation to their land interests at land east of Grange Road, Dorridge (hereafter referred to as the 'Site 1') and land south of Arden Road, Dorridge (hereafter referred to as the 'Site 2'). Part of Site 1 is referenced in the Council's Site Assessments document as 344 'Land off Grange Road'. Our Client is promoting Site 1 for residential development, which will require the relocation of the village hall to Site 2.