Question 28 - Site 18 - Sharmans Cross Road

see attached letter

Reference: Local Development Plan Site 245 (adjacent Sharmans Cross Rd)

As a local resident and member of Solihull Arden Club, I wish to object to the inclusion in the Local Development Plan of a proposed development of 67/100 dwellings on the site of the rugby ground off Sharmans Cross Rd for the following reasons:

1. Use of land - The covenant and 2013 all party policy that the land is to be retained for sporting purposes must continue to be applied and the freehold retained by SMBC to ensure this happens. Solihull is short of sports fields and rates poorly, nationally and comparison with its peers, in terms of participation in sport. It appears the policy of the current lessor (not surprisingly) has been to make discourage the return of this land to sporting use. Removal of the threat of housing development combined with a policy by SMBC of active cooperation with potential sporting users would facilitate the return of the land to active use for sporting activities. The good geographical accessibility of the site would be particularly advantageous by minimising travelling for participants.

2. Increased traffic congestion - The vast majority of additional traffic from the proposed development would travel via Streetsbrook Rd or Damson Lane/Prospect Rd. Peak time congestion on these roads is already spiralling out of control with no meaningful prospect of relief. Additionally, the immediately adjacent Sharmans Cross Rd suffers from peak time congestion due to Sharmans Cross School with associated danger to pedestrians.

3. Suitability of proposed development - The proposed 67/100 homes on such a small site represents unacceptable overdevelopment that is out-of-scale and out-of-character with the surrounding mature suburb.

4. Overload of local facilities - Local schools and medical facilities are already oversubscribed. Further development would merely worsen the problem.

Sharmans Cross Road development
I am writing to voice my strong objections to the above proposed planning allocation for houses to be built on the rugby ground on Sharmans Cross Road Solihull.

I have several concerns in relation to this development, all of which in my view render it highly inappropriate to give consent for the construction of housing on this site.

Traffic congestion, highways safety issues, parking and pollution
The proposed development is too large and will have a serious impact on what is already a congested busy area. Sharmans Cross Road is already gridlocked in the mornings from 7.45am to 9am with traffic headed towards Streetsbrook Road and parking for Sharmans Cross School. We often have challenges in exiting our house to travel to work and school because of the queue of traffic along the road. A further 100 houses will add considerably more volume, causing safety issues in the road with people exiting the proposed site in large numbers at peak times.

The access to and from the site will also be limited and likely to be through one point on Sharmans Cross Road. This will cause a pinch point at busy times, with cars turning in and out, adding to the safety issues which already exist on this busy road.

This will also increase the risk to pedestrians, in particular school children making their way on foot to Sharmans Cross School and other local secondary schools. The parking situation at the school is already very challenging with cars parked on pavements and blocking the flow of cars along the road. It is already a dangerous situation which will be greatly increased if this development proceeds.

Given this congestion there is already an issue with cyclists who struggle to navigate the road already when it is most busy despite it being a designated cycling route and often resort to mounting the pavement, increasing the risk of injury to pedestrians. This is also likely to become worse.

Parking - in addition to obvious issues with finding parking space for the residents of the 100 proposed houses on such a tight piece of land for such a large development, the Arden Tennis Club would lose around 75 parking spaces. I question where will they park? I assume on the road which will further add to the safety and congestions issues I have noted above.

Clearly, the proposed increase in housing will also lead to increased pollution levels, exacerbated by the need to queue with idle engines in the street at peak times. This is not acceptable.

Suitability, design and appearance
The proposed development of 100 homes, including affordable housing (up to 50 houses, which presumably may comprise housing association properties extending to more than 2 stories high) will have a serious detrimental impact on the current character of this neighborhood. This is a well established area with traditional, sympathetic housing, considerable tree coverage affording appropriate privacy but with adequate light and line of sight. The development proposed will destroy the character of this area. 100 houses on that site is 5 times the density of housing on Winterbourne Road for example.

Solihull is highly valued for its environmental quality including many mature trees and Tree Preservation Orders. A development of this scale will destroy the local environmental quality enjoyed by many residents and may also have a significant impact on the natural habitats for local wildlife.

This proposed development is an unacceptable over-development of a relatively small area of land, both out of scale and out of character in appearance to the existing property development in the vicinity of the rugby ground. The development will lead to loss of light, privacy and overshadowing issues.

Most importantly, as noted below, this land is retained for sporting purposes (and has both the rugby pitches and an existing tennis club within its overall boundaries) and is too small and not suitable for such a development.

Use of land and sustainability
SMBC formally minuted in 2013 that its policy was to retain the rugby ground land for sports purposes only and that it would not sell the freehold on this land. I would like confirmation from you that this policy is still in force which would imply that the proposed development of housing on this site is not appropriate and that it should not therefore be included in the LDP for the area.

Further to this, the National Planning Policy Framework requires developments of this nature to have access to local amenities within 800m/10 minutes walk. The site is 1700m from Solihull town centre and 1000m from the railway station so these criteria are not met.

Drainage and flooding
There are existing drainage and flooding issues in Sharmans Cross Raod. Our back garden and lawn frequently flood in heavy rain due to the lack of flow through of drainage water in the area. Then road can also flood near the school area. A further 100 homes and the related needs for drainage will have a serious additional impact on this existing problem.

Schools and local medical facilities
These are already over-subscribed and this development will place a significant further burden on school places and access to medical care leading to a loss of quality and safety of those services, and have a serious detrimental impact on those services for existing local residents.

Permanent loss of sporting facilities
This is one of 5 sports grounds at risk in Solihull in the LDP. There is a current shortage of pitches and sports facilities in the area, and SMBC has a statutory duty to ensure lost pitches are replaced with facilities of an equivalent standard and accessibility is not reduced. Despite the economic success in the area, Sport England has reported that Solihull is in the third quartile nationally for over 16 sports participation (3 time per week or more) and continues to fall in the national league tables. The removal of sports grounds such as Sharmans Cross Road will only add to this issue.

I want to voice my strong request that the 2013 all party policy on the Rugby Ground on maintaining the sports ground only covenant and not selling the freehold be retained.

In summary, for the reasons outlined above I am strongly opposed to the inclusion of this land in the SMBC LDP and would politely ask that it is not progressed any further.

As long as it includes affordable housing,but not high end affordable.

Local Planning Site 245
I feel compelled (alongside many other local residents) to make contact with you reference the land owned by the council previously used by the Rugby Club and now leased by Oakmoor Sharmans Cross Ltd.

I write twofold..one as a long standing resident of Sharmans Cross Road and secondly as a long standing local estate agent.

Firstly, as a resident and a daily user of this lovely open land we have on our doorsteps, It would be a massive disappointment to many if the land would no longer be available for the community to enjoy. It is used on a daily basis throughout the year by dog walkers, children playing ball games and children accessing a short cut to school.

The nearest green site to this land is off Woodside Way and Woodlea Drive- but this land is not available for ball users.

It would be a shame if the local children were not able to use the facilty as it were intended for.

The wildlife would be disturbed, including foxes, badgers, birds of prey..

Surely as the landowners you have a duty of care to make sure the land is retained for its original purpose.

Sharmans Cross Road is already gridlocked at morning and evening rush hours and also at school times..do you not think that by allowing a developer the opportunity to build any number of houses on your land would add to the problem.

I have witnessed so many near misses with cars and buses, bikes and children and wonder why you could humanely allow such a development knowing this would lead to further congestion and potential accidents.

The council are already aware of the traffic issues as recently they have provided a Zebra crossing and double yellow lines to lighten the problem.

As a long standing resident I can honestly say I have witnessed many a time over the years when the road had flooded...I would imagine that you would also be aware of this and that by allowing a development to go ahead that this would only add to the drainage problems.

Now, as a local estate agent, I completely understand that developers have needs and will always be looking for an opportunity to acquire suitable land for development. B91 is like gold dust and Im sure that when Oakmoor stepped in to 'help out' there was always going to be an ulterior motive for leasing your land.
I also understand that many private land owners choose to sell off parts of their gardens or fields when approached by such developers as a way of financial gain, but I would assume that the council would have a duty to uphold the covenants placed on the land for the benefit of the community rather than for financial gain themselves.

I cannot understand how you could even consider selling the Freehold knowing that the developers would be in breach of the covenants. surely as the land owners you have a responsibility to make sure the covenants are adhered to alongside the conditions of the lease....which i believe are already being breached?

with national government statistics outlining a problem with childhood obesity, surely this would and should encourage you to make sure the land is used for recreational use only- as it originally designed for.

let the developers build on sites where they have room to make provision for incorporating new schools and medical facilities... rather than let them gain themselves financial but to the detrement of the local schools and surgeries which are already at maximum capacity,

I am hopeful that you will , as the Freeholders and the Local council act in the best interest for the community on this occasion.....

Objection to Local Development Plan site 245
I wish to object to the inclusion of site 245 in the Local Development Plan on the following grounds.

1. It's a sports field and we are short of sport's facilities in Solihull. With increasing obesity in young and old people in the area we should be encouraging sport not decreasing it.
2.The proposed density of housing is not in keeping with the locality.
3. We are already struggling with pressures on schools and medical facilities in the area, this level of development would have an adverse effect on the local Schools and GP Surgeries.
4. Traffic and parking is an issue in this area, increasing vehicle numbers would be detrimental to the environment in Solihull.

We hope you will take the above into consideration and remove site 245 from the Local Development and return the fields to a well used sports facility it used to be.

I want to strongly object to the rugby pitches, accessed from Sharman's Cross Road, being approved for inclusion on the above Local Development Plan.
My objections are as follows: -
1. Permanent loss of sporting facilities - I have written and spoken to council employees and local councillors on many occasions about this matter. It is a crying shame that we have let (what once were) wonderful facilities just fade and decay into what they are now. I am 72 and I remember playing on these pitches, as did my son. I have had to watch them fall into disrepair over the last few years when I know that various local clubs would have loved to be able to use the facilities. However they have been prevented from doing so by Oakmore charging exorbitant rents so that they could then say that no-one uses the pitches and so enhance their opportunity to develop the land.
2. Use of land - I understand that SMBC have previously minuted its policy about the use of the grounds only for sport and that they would not sell the freehold. This presumably means that the land is not appropriate for inclusion in the LDP. Has this policy now changed and, if so, when and why?
3. Density - The proposed number of dwellings is considerably more than the density of property in the surrounding areas. The site will be both out of character and out of scale compared to existing development in the vicinity.
4. Design and appearance - This area contains several mature trees with Tree Preservation Orders. It has environmental benefits and is also home to bats, badgers and buzzards.
5. Increased traffic and associated pollution - the norm nowadays is for every adult to own a car. With the number of houses proposed for the site this will exacerbate what is already a very severe problem with traffic, causing gridlock, especially at school starting and finishing times. Sharman's Gross Road is already virtually impassable from 8am to 9am, at least. I really don't need to highlight the danger this would cause to pedestrians, unaccompanied children going to/from schools, cyclists (in what is a designated cycle route) and other vehicles. In addition to there being insufficient parking for the proposed new development, nearly 80 parking spaces would be lost at the Solihull Arden Club. This will obviously affect safety and congestion through increased street parking. Parking is already chaotic during peak times
6. Flooding - The development will worsen what is already a problem with flooding. I have to regularly clear the ditch at the back of my garden, on the rugby club side, to prevent my and my neighbour's gardens being flooded. Sharman's Cross Road is already subject to flooding during heavy rain.

7. Schools and medical centres - there are insufficient schools and medical services already and further development in this area can only cause a degradation of services for existing residents.
8. Sustainability - The site is nearly double the distance away from local amenities than is required in The National Planning Policy Framework so the criteria of that framework is not being met.
I would therefore ask that you remove the rugby pitches from the Local Development Plan for new houses and also that you retain the site as a sports ground as specified in the current SMBC lease with Oakmoor. It would also be in the interests of everyone if SMBC could work with Oakmore and existing or new sports clubs to ensure that the ground is used for sporting purposes in the future.
Finally, the 2013 all party policy on the Rugby Ground maintaining the sports ground only covenant and not selling the freehold should be retained. We need to create a structure for the ownership of the Rugby Ground which would protect it in the future.

I want to strongly object to the rugby pitches, accessed from Sharman's Cross Road, being approved for inclusion on the above Local Development Plan.
My objections are as follows: -
1. Permanent loss of sporting facilities - I have written and spoken to council employees and local councillors on many occasions about this matter. It is a crying shame that we have let (what once were) wonderful facilities just fade and decay into what they are now. I am 72 and I remember playing on these pitches, as did my son. I have had to watch them fall into disrepair over the last few years when I know that various local clubs would have loved to be able to use the facilities. However they have been prevented from doing so by Oakmore charging exorbitant rents so that they could then say that no-one uses the pitches and so enhance their opportunity to develop the land.
2. Use of land - I understand that SMBC have previously minuted its policy about the use of the grounds only for sport and that they would not sell the freehold. This presumably means that the land is not appropriate for inclusion in the LDP. Has this policy now changed and, if so, when and why?
3. Density - The proposed number of dwellings is considerably more than the density of property in the surrounding areas. The site will be both out of character and out of scale compared to existing development in the vicinity.
4. Design and appearance - This area contains several mature trees with Tree Preservation Orders. It has environmental benefits and is also home to bats, badgers and buzzards.
5. Increased traffic and associated pollution - the norm nowadays is for every adult to own a car. With the number of houses proposed for the site this will exacerbate what is already a very severe problem with traffic, causing gridlock, especially at school starting and finishing times. Sharman's Gross Road is already virtually impassable from 8am to 9am, at least. I really don't need to highlight the danger this would cause to pedestrians, unaccompanied children going to/from schools, cyclists (in what is a designated cycle route) and other vehicles. In addition to there being insufficient parking for the proposed new development, nearly 80 parking spaces would be lost at the Solihull Arden Club. This will obviously affect safety and congestion through increased street parking. Parking is already chaotic during peak times
6. Flooding - The development will worsen what is already a problem with flooding. I have to regularly clear the ditch at the back of my garden, on the rugby club side, to prevent my and my neighbour's gardens being flooded. Sharman's Cross Road is already subject to flooding during heavy rain.

7. Schools and medical centres - there are insufficient schools and medical services already and further development in this area can only cause a degradation of services for existing residents.
8. Sustainability - The site is nearly double the distance away from local amenities than is required in The National Planning Policy Framework so the criteria of that framework is not being met.
I would therefore ask that you remove the rugby pitches from the Local Development Plan for new houses and also that you retain the site as a sports ground as specified in the current SMBC lease with Oakmoor. It would also be in the interests of everyone if SMBC could work with Oakmore and existing or new sports clubs to ensure that the ground is used for sporting purposes in the future.
Finally, the 2013 all party policy on the Rugby Ground maintaining the sports ground only covenant and not selling the freehold should be retained. We need to create a structure for the ownership of the Rugby Ground which would protect it in the future.

This site is not suitable for an intensive housing development for the many reasons given in the past, and would be attractive as a sports ground if the leaseholder had any intention of abiding by the terms of the lease and renting it out on a fair basis.

I also understand that Oakmoor's policy drove the reformed rugby club away from the site and closed the successful pre-school group by refusing to continue the letting of the buidings

I therefore demand that SMBC stands by its 2013 all party policy on the Rugby Ground on maintaining the sports ground only covenant and not selling the freehold be retained.

I wish to register my objections to the proposed development of 100 houses on the rugby ground in Sharmans Cross Road.

1) TRAFFIC CONGESTION: My primary objection is the impact that such a development will have on traffic congestion. 100 houses means, perhaps, 150 cars potentially exiting onto Sharmans Cross Road at peak times.

Traffic is already heavily congested, queuing along Streetsbrook Road, well past Sharmans Cross, heading into Solihull. Exit from Sharmans Cross onto Streetsbrook at such times is already extremely difficult, without the possible increase of further traffic.

In the direction of Danford Lane and Prospect Lane, there is Sharmans Cross Junior School. At peak times Sharmans Cross Road is no more than a 1-way road with all the traffic dropping/collecting at the school. 2-way flow is nigh impossible! Then there is the congestion in all directions at the Danford/Prospect island. Therefore, the increase in traffic from such a new development will considerably add to these current problems and add to the considerable safety concerns for school children and parents who are all over that road at those peak times.

2) CAPACITY OF MEDICAL AND DENTAL FACILITIES: The number of GP and dental facilities in the area is very limited - particularly GPs.
Such a vast increase in housing as proposed is going to stretch the already inadequate availability of such services beyond acceptable limits. Irrespective, of whether new residents are able, or not, to sign up to such local services they, inevitably, will travel by car - adding to the same issues as in (1) above.

3) GREEN SPACE: Are we, or are we not, concerned about the health and welfare of the nation? Should we be taking away green space leisure and sports facilities to overload the area with densely packed housing? There is no way we are ever going to return housing to sports facilities, so I am very much of the opinion that we should preserve, develop and invest in the integrated green sports facilities in the area - which is investment, not only in health and wellbeing, but also in the availability of participation sports to occupy our youth who may otherwise not be so healthily occupied.

Opposing to the LDP on Sharmans Cross Road
I am a resident of Sharmans Cross Road and I am opposing the development of a new housing estate.

I demand that the 2013 all party policy on the rugby ground on maintaining the sports ground only covenant and not selling the freehold be retained.
There are a number of reasons for why I am against this development.

Firstly the traffic on Sharmans Cross road is dreadful particularly at peak traffic times. This will only worsen with the addition of 67/100 houses, as Sharmans Cross will be the only road by which you can enter and exit the estate main road used as a bypass between Shirley and main Solihull. Especially as this is a key road used for commuters going between Shirley and Solihull town centre. In additional to this, I imagine the parking on the road will also worsen as I doubt there will be sufficient parking on the new estate for the number of residents. Please can you advise how you propose this issue?

In addition to this, there is the issue of inadequate school capacity. The schools in the surrounding area are already over subscribed. They barely have the capacity to accommodate the current population. Increasing the population in this area will indeed have a detrimental impact on children's education. How do you propose to overcome this issue? Have you set aside further funds in order to accommodate the increased demand on education?

Finally with the proposed development having 4-5 times more density than the rest of the area, it will be out of character with the rest of the surrounding area. How will you ensure the character is retained? Will you safeguard any trees with tree preservation orders? Not only for retaining the character of the area but more importantly protecting the environment.

Local Development Plan Site 245
I am writing to object in the strongest terms to the possible inclusion of the development of up to 100 houses on the current rugby ground at Sharmans Cross Road in the local development plan (LDP).

The proposed development of the ground has been the subject of two planning applications over the last few years, one of which was refused on planning grounds and the other withdrawn. That in itself evidences the fact that the site is not suitable for development. The reasons for the planning refusal in 2009 remain and are exacerbated by the increased size, scale and density of the development contemplated by the LDP. In those circumstances it is extremely disappointing that the Council believes it acceptable to put the local community through yet another period of planning related concern.

There are a large number of grounds which support the position that the development proposed to be included in the LDP would be inappropriate and potentially in breach of planning policy, and that including it would be irrational and is not a decision any reasonable local authority in the position of the Council can lawfully make. These include:

1 The size, scale and density of the development will be completely out of character with the surrounding area both generally and in its appearance. There is no development of similar size and scale in the locality. It will give rise to serious noise, loss of light, loss of privacy and local pollution issues for current local residents.

2 Traffic (and the associated pollution) in the vicinity of Sharmans Cross Road is already at increasingly dangerous levels. Sharmans Cross Road itself cannot cope with current rush hour traffic with regular gridlock resulting in numerous accidents particularly at the Streetsbrook Road junction (including one this evening). The increased traffic which would inevitably arise if the land is developed would have a serious effect on the safety (and potentially health) of road users, cyclists (Sharmans Cross Road is a designated cycle route) and pedestrians including children walking to the local junior school.

3 Solihull (and particularly central Solihull) has a serious lack of sporting facilities and green open spaces for leisure use. The Council has a statutory obligation to ensure that any lost sports facilities are replaced with facilities which are equally accessible. There is no space in the local area (in walking or cycling distance) where such facilities could be located. In a time of serious and increasing national concerns over lack of participation in sport and the ensuing medium and long term health effects (for both children and adults) the loss of a space which could (if utilised properly by the Council) provide a facility capable of being used for such purposes would appear completely unjustifiable.

I have seen a copy of the original lease of the land between The Trustees of the Solihull Rugby Union Club and The Mayor Alderman and Burgesses of the County Borough of Solihull. It contains a covenant on the part of the tenant to ensure that the land is only used as a private sports ground. That evidences the importance the Council placed on the recreational value of the land in 1969. Since then leisure/green spaces in the Borough have reduced dramatically and the recreational value of the land increased accordingly.


The Council acknowledged this in 2013 confirming its policy regarding the use of the land solely for sport and that it would not sell the freehold. There is no objective justification for a change in that policy. I respectfully demand that the Council reconfirms that policy, actively enforces the covenant and ensures that the land is available for community sporting use.

4 The development would destroy a green space enjoyed by local residents which houses mature trees and other flora and is a home to a variety of wildlife. The quality of the space and the need to preserve it is reflected in the number of tree preservation orders that exist in the area That would all be irreplaceable.


5 The development (and the potential loss of parking at Solihull Arden Club) will lead to increased parking on local roads (both main roads and smaller residential roads). Parking in the area is already a major issue and gives rise to serious safety concerns during busy periods.

6 Sharmans Cross Road is already prone to serious flooding issues during periods of heavy rain. Any significant development would increase flooding issues with consequent negative impacts on the health and properties of affected residents.

7 Schools and medical centres in the area are already over subscribed. There is no possibility of them coping with the increasing demands on services the development would bring. Additionally I understand that the National Policy Planning Framework requirements regarding the distance between developments and local amenities would not be met.

As noted above I strongly object to the the proposal to include the rugby club land in the LDP .

Sharmans Cross Rugby Football/Sports Ground
The above ground consists of sports facilities for various activities and my understanding is that several covenants were agreed on the last sale of the site for the purpose of retaining the ground as a sports facility. Despite this, some years ago an application was made to take over the site for housing. Following objections from very many residents of Solihull the application was not pursued and the ground continues to be used for its proper purposes as guaranteed by the various covenants.

It now appears that a new application for housing has been submitted to the Planning Department. May I urge you, please, to ensure that this application is refused? My feeling is that, because of the existing agreements and covenants any change in use of the site would be illegal and it is certainly totally unsuitable for housing.

I look forward to hearing that the new application will not be allowed to proceed.

LDP Old Rugby Ground/Arden Tennis Club - LDP sites 245

I'm strongly apposed to ear marking the Old Rugby Ground/Arden Tennis Club for potential development.

Currently Solihull becomes grid locked at certain times of the day and adding a substantial development would cause significant issues.

The additional traffic would cause add environmental issues. There are also issues around the strain put on sewage and drainage systems.

There are several high density retirement developments underway in Solihull all of which are hugely impacting the quality of life for residents in Solihull.

We also need to keep our green spaces.

So please register my opposition to any change of use or development of the Old Rugby Ground/Arden Tennis Club site.

LDP - Proposed Housing Allocation Site 18
I object to the LDP Proposed Housing Allocation referenced above (subject line).

My reasons are as follows:-

- The density of the proposed development is completely out of keeping with the surrounding area.
- There are no plans that I am aware of to increase capacity in locals schools, junior and senior, therefore if the development is designed for families where will the children be educated?
- Existing drainage on Sharmans Cross Road struggles to cope in heavy rain, I believe they are still the original Victorian drains, the development would exacerbate that situation.
- What plans are in place to increase the number of local GP surgeries which would be required to cope with the influx of families?
- The covenants in place and agreed between SMBC and Oakmoor to protect the land for sports use, not housing.
- The National Planning Policy Framework requires developments to have access to local amenities within 800m/10 minutes' walk. The site is 1700m from Solihull town centre and 1000m from the station, therefore these criteria are not met.
- Increased traffic and associated pollution - The development will have a seriously detrimental effect on highway safety and the convenience of road users, including:
* Increased volumes of traffic moving in/out of new site via a single point, most likely turning right out of site towards town, increasing gridlock at the Sharmans Cross Rd/Streetsbrook Road junction. No plans in place to improve the 4 (four) way junction.
* Danger to pedestrians, unaccompanied children going to/from Sharmans Cross Junior School and secondary schools.
* Danger to cyclists, as this is a designated cycle route.
- I understand Sharmans Cross Road is a recognised emergency route, hence no speed bumps outside the primary/junior school. Any increase in traffic may adversely affect emergency vehicle movements.

Development of 67/100 houses on Sharmans Cross Road LDP Proposed Housing Allocation site 18
I wish to state my objection to the above proposed development. It was made clear in 2013 that there was all party policy on the Rugby ground maintaining the sports ground only covenant and not selling the freehold be retained. It was clear then and actually even clearer today that this policy should stand.
In particular the increase in Traffic in Sharmans Cross Road since 2013 has been significant. I live at 59 Sharmans Cross Road and in the morning rush hour the traffic heading towards Solihull now backs up from near the football club. That was not the case in 2013.
It is very clear that the road system in and around this proposed development simply will not cope with additional traffic. It is also clear that access in and out of the development is limited thereby adding to the existing problem.
Already Sharmans Cross Road at School opening ,closing and lunchtimes is congested. It is dangerous at the moment both for vehicle traffic but also for pedestrians and especially children. Any development will increase those significant risks. I know already that people working in Solihull are parking in the side roads to avoid parking charges and this just adds to the problem. I am concerned at the prospect of Emergency Vehicles being held up in the future caused by additional housing traffic.
Throughout the winter months Sharmans Cross Road is subject to flooding in the areas directly around the entrance to the Arden Tennis club. This would need to be addressed urgently before any development could take place and it is apparent that over the years all attempts to rectify this have failed. The development will add to the flooding problem.
One major concern is that there is no room to build new schools or create new medical facilities in an area already oversubscribed to accommodate increased housing in this location.
Education and medical access are vital to the wellbeing and comfort of a neighbourhood and this would be drastically reduced by this development.
I understand this is just one of five at risk sports ground in the LDP. Surely the Council has a statutory responsibility to ensure lost pitches are replaced with facilities of equivalent quality and accessibility. The fact is Solihull according to Sport England is in the 3rd quartile nationally for over 16 participation in sport three times per week and continues to fall in the Nation league table. This in itself is a primary reason for the Council to deny any development in Sharmans Cross Road.
In conclusion I and many others recognise that the Government policy is to increase housing and there is good reason for that. The fact is this proposed planed development is surely NOT something the Government intended in addressing what I accept is a serious issue.
There are other options and othe sites that do not remove sporting facilities that can be found.
I conclude by stating my objection to this proposed development.

Local Development Plan Site 245
As a local resident of many years, I write yet again to illustrate my real concerns surrounding the proposed development of the Rugby Ground situated on Sharmans Cross Road and adjacent to Arden Tennis Club, Solihull.

This is the third occasion in the last few years where attempts have been made to develop this site which is owned by Solihull Council and that has always been used for a sporting purpose. These sites should remain for the use of local communities. The current owner of the old Rugby Club Site, Oakmoor, clearly brought the ground for the purpose of developing the Land with no intention to continue with it as a sporting facility.

There is little doubt that many thousands of pounds may have exchanged hands between Oakmoor and the old Rugby Club and there can be little doubt that their intention from the outset was to prevent the use of this area for a sporting purpose.

I understand it was Solihull Council that purchased the ground many years ago to ensure that it remained available for sporting purposes, and on buying this ground they then leased it back to the Rugby Club for a modest sum of £250 a year.

We all know that the Rugby Club fell into financial difficulties and it was at this time that Oakmoor stepped in to buy the lease and probably spent many thousands of pounds to do so.

It can also be said that they did this, no doubt, to develop this land at a later date at a considerable profit.

We understand that the Developers have done much to deter other Sporting Clubs renting the land. The previous buildings which were on site were allowed to deteriorate so they had to be demolished. We now find out that despite all the history to this ground it is proposed to allow the development of in excess 67 mixed residential properties with no apparent problems identified that cannot be overcome.The density of such a site would be much greater than the surrounding area, completely altering the character and distinctiveness of this particular area of Solihull. We already have inadequate medical and school facilities for the current residents around this site and there is also already a considerable parking problem and dense traffic in surrounding areas particularly at peak periods.

There are very few green sites currently available within the residential areas of Solihull and we also know there are sites available on the outskirts. Local people keep being told that provision of sporting sites will be made available elsewhere but it is local people and local children that need sporting facilities within their communities so that they do not have to travel in cars or on buses to reach such facilities.

Another matter that raises considerable concern is the value of such a piece of land for housing development, I am not sure how much Solihull Council paid for this site, but it must be worth in excess of 5 million pounds. What is Solihull's proposal to obtain the true value of this ground from any prospective developer.

Finally the use of this ground for development will do nothing to satisfy the needs of the Community and the Council must listen to their local communities and ensure that land such as this, that is primarily for sporting purposes is not lost. There are many brown field sites around the Borough that could be used as an alternative.

see letter of objection -site 18 Sharmans Cross Road

I wish to object to the inclusion in the LDP of a development on the rugby ground on Sharmans Cross Road.
My principal concerns are as follows:
1. Loss of green, open space
The site is currently a welcome, open space in a pleasant, residential area, and should be used for recreation. In addition it is beneficial in being grassed as it can absorb some of the rainfall to reduce flooding. If this area is built on as proposed, we will lose many things:

a. Permanent loss of sports ground - Solihull is already poorly supplied with sports facilities, and this site in particular is covenanted to be used for sports. This covenant alone should be sufficient reason not to ever consider development of this site. The covenant should be honoured, and local clubs allowed use of the ground. Lack of facilities reduces the participation in sport of children and adults, impacting health and general well-being. Solihull's poor performance in this area could also negatively impact the attractiveness of the area.

b. The character of the area - Currently, the dwellings in this vicinity are predominantly widely spaced, two storey houses with large gardens and open space around. The planned development would need to be 4-5 times denser, so with less gardens and/or taller. They will thus be out of character with the area. Solihull could lose its reputation as being a 'nice place to live' if developments are overcrowded like this.

c. Drainage - Gardens and land in this area already suffer from poor drainage and flooding. The significant increase in hard surfaces proposed for this site will increase flooding in the area, with many environmental and social impacts.


2. Traffic
Sharmans Cross Road is already an extremely busy road, and is particularly hazardous at either end of the school day when there are many children walking, scooting or cycling along and across the road. Both ends of this road are very congested with large queues attempting to access Streetsbrook Road or the roundabout at Prospect Lane. The addition of up to 100 dwellings will inevitably add to this congestion and increase the risk of death or serious injury to pedestrians and other road users. Any other point of egress from this site would not be any better, with traffic still ultimately increasing congestion near the town centre. In turn, this again impacts the attractiveness of the area to visitors, residents and businesses.

3. Pollution
Along with congestion on these roads, the increased queuing traffic will increase pollution on routes where children are walking to school, impacting their health. Such less desirable circumstances could also discourage children from walking to school when we should be doing all we can to increase this.

4. Parking
The parking for the Club will be insufficient at peak times, hence users will be forced to park on the road. This would exacerbate all the above points: congestion, risk to road users, and pollution. Also, parking for residents would be very limited due to the density of the proposed development. This would create further problems, including a possible clash between residents and club members over the use of club parking spaces.

Considering all the above points, I demand that the 2013 policy to maintain the sports ground only covenant and not selling the freehold is upheld

I am writing to express my deep concerns in respect of the proposed residential development at the Old Ruby ground on Sharmans Cross Road.
As a resident of Sharmans Cross Road, I can already see the effect that increasing the Junior school to a 4 form entry has had on the traffic and potential safety of the children that attend the school. I have also been advised that the landlord of the Sharmans Cross pub has decided to withdraw the informal offer he has had in place that allows parents from the school to park in their car-park in the very near future. This decision will push even more cars into the surrounding congested areas. We have already seen some serious traffic incidents on this road, in fact as I am writing this email the road remains closed by the Police because of a road traffic accident.
A large development of this size will only add pressure onto the already poor drainage system that just cannot cope with any heavy rainfall at the best of times.
With childhood obesity at an all time high, I feel it is imperative that we utilise the facilities that are available to us. As you are no doubt aware the neighbouring sporting facilities of Arden Tennis Club, Hotpod Yoga and Silhill Football Club are thriving venues used by the local communities to keep active and stay healthy. These facilities keep ourselves and our children out of our doctors surgeries and hospitals and another sporting venue of similar type will only strengthen the offering to the community and safeguard all of the local businesses we are lucky enough to have on our doorstep. Please allow someone to develop this site in a sporting capacity so that we can secure our children's health, fitness and future going forward.

Please find below my response to the public consultation re Site 245
1. In 2103 Solihull MBC agreed not to sell the freehold of the rugby club land and to preserve the use of the original sports grounds for sport. I would like to be assured that SMBC will adhere to this decision and resist developers' repeated attempts to influence its overturning.
2. Several sports grounds are under threat in the Local Development Plan; SMBC has a duty to ensure that facilities are retained and lost pitches replaced so that they can be used by the local community. Participation in sport in Solihull is disappointing when compared with national averages, particularly given the demographic of the area. The rugby pitch in site 245 should once again be made available to encourage participation in sport in Solihull. SMBC should actively encourage sports clubs to lease the ground.
3. National Lottery Funding has been used to provide sports facilities at Solihull Arden Tennis Club. I would like to be assured that SMBC will endeavour to promote the retention of these facilities so that they can be used for their intended purpose: to encourage participation in sport. Permanent removal of the neighbouring facilities will threaten the survival of the tennis club.
4. The proposed development is not in keeping with the surrounding area and will change its appearance and nature. The new development will have a much higher density than the surrounding area. There will be too many homes on too small a space: to fit 167 homes into the space under consideration, an entirely different style, size and type of dwelling will be required. Some of these will be multi-storey and will impair current residents' enjoyment of their homes. These will have reduced light and reduced privacy; they will suffer from noise pollution and be overlooked.
5. Traffic congestion is already a major problem in this area. Increasing the number of homes will cause even greater chaos at busy times both on Sharmans Cross Road and adjacent roads. Those accessing local amenities or their work will be adversely affected. The numbers of families who need to access premises on the Solihull Arden Club side of Sharmans Cross Road (primary school + wraparound care, orthodontist, tennis club, football club) will increase, giving rise to a greater risk of accidents, particularly at the start and end of the school and working days.
6. Pedestrians, including school age children walking to and from primary and secondary school, will have reduced highway safety.
7. Cyclists using the existing cycle route will have reduced highway safety.
8. 167 new homes will generate a need for parking spaces; there are already insufficient spaces for the area at certain busy times. (see point 2) . The possible reduction in the number of spaces at Solihull Arden Club would cause drivers to seek on street parking and further exacerbate the problem.
9. Increased pollution will result from the additional traffic.
10. Local schools are heavily oversubscribed in the area. 167 new homes will increase the pressure for places in schools and lead to dissatisfaction among local families; in addition there may be a negative impact on the service offered.
11. GP facilities are heavily oversubscribed in the area. 167 new homes will increase the pressure on services offered with a potentially negative impact on healthcare.
12. The loss of a green space will cause environmental damage and reduce the public's enjoyment of the local area. There are many mature trees on the site, some with Tree Preservation Orders, which support wildlife and have an impact on biodiversity; removing the green space will have a detrimental effect on this. Such mature trees take hundreds of years to grow and cannot be replaced. Several oak trees form the boundary between Solihull Arden Club and the gardens of Winterbourne Road.
The vast array of insect life found in the Oak tree means that this tree of all British trees supplies the most food for birds such as tits and tree creepers. .... the oak tree provides a harvest for many wild creatures. ... pigeons....squirrels, mice, badgers... .
( http://www.oldknobbley.com/woodland_ecology/trees/trees_oak_english.php)
13. Sharmans Cross Road is sometimes flooded during heavy rainfall with ensuing traffic chaos. Many residents suffer flooding of their gardens in wet weather ( Sharmans Cross Rd and Winterbourne Rd). Further development will exacerbate this problem.
14. According to The National Planning Policy Framework, developments must have access to local amenities within 800m or 10 minutes' walk. Solihull Station is 1000m and Solihull Town Centre 1700m away from the proposed site, both of which are too far to meet the sustainability criteria

Site 18
Please accept this e-mail as a formal objection to the proposed plan for building houses at the rugby ground site on Sharmans Cross Road.

First of all the grounds have benefitted from sporting facilities over a number of years and any development in this area would constitute as loss for any sports enthusiast currently using the grounds. This has been a natural green habitat for 100+ years and any development would bring ruin and congestion to the unspoilt area.

1. Loss of sporting facilities - This is an area which is extensively used for sporting enthusiasts. Not only for this, it is also utilised by families to bring their children and for those with animals. SMBC has a statutory requirement to ensure loss of pitches are replaced with facilities of equivalent quality and accessibility. Sport England has found that Solihull is in the 3rd quartile nationally for over-16 participation in sport three times per week and continues to fall in the national league tables. If this land is replaced by a development then this statistic would surely decline rapidly over the years.
2. With regards to the use of the land - SMBC has formally stated in 2013 that the grounds were to be used for sports only and so the freehold will NOT be sold at any cost. This policy should be reaffirmed that has strictly said that any such development is NOT appropriate for inclusion in the local development plan.
3. For sustainability purposes the 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.
4. Natural habitat - Solihull is a naturally green area and having big building projects such as these will destroy the surrounding habitat, trees, natural vegetation as well as local wildlife dwellings. Endangered species of bats and badgers will be at great risk. Another point to highlight is that there are a number of Tree Preservation Orders (TPO's) in the area which would be affected - these are critical to climate change, wildlife and photosynthesis
5. Surrounding area - The area will lose its entire character and appearance if the suggested number of properties are built in such a small space. This will specifically cause disruption, loss of light, privacy, traffic, incidents, potential crime, pollution and the general cleanliness of the surroundings left compromised.
6. Exponential increase in traffic and pollution - The traffic volume will increase which will cause further disruption to an already busy network of roads and pose hazardous for children that attend Sharmans Cross Junior School from increased threat from more vehicles on the road. Parking will also become difficult if residents park on the streets and in front of other resident homes.
7. Road Flooding - Sharmans Cross Road has been subjected to flooding when rain has been heavy so over developing here will only add to this problem.
8. Schooling and medical centres - Schools and medical centres are already bursting at the seams and it is near impossible to get children into the preference of choice or be able to obtain a doctors' appointment in the area. Further development will lead to a degradation of service for the current residents. or diminish completely
There are many negative consequences for this development as pointed out above. Consideration should be given first and foremost to the current residents and not developers interested in their own gains. This will seriously affect the character of the area as well as diminish the surrounding environment. The negatives simply outweigh the positives for this development so it would be better that the proposal was rejected and considered for another area instead

Local Development Plan Site 245.
I write to demand that 'the 2013 all party policy on the Rugby Ground ( on maintaining the sports ground covenant & not selling the freehold)' be retained.
I oppose this development on the grounds that the density of housing would be over 5 times that of the surrounding area. Not only would this place enormous demands on the local infrastructure, but it would change the character of the whole area, and not in a good way. Over the years I have seen many green spaces in this area disappear, replaced by housing developments. It is time to stop, and conserve what we have left.
Yours Faithfully,

With reference to the LDP - Site 245, I would like to state my objections to Site 245 (Sharmans Cross Road Old Rugby Ground) being included in the Local Development Plan:
1. My primary reason is the site has an existing covenant stating it is to be used for sporting purposes and ancillary facilities to sport. This has been in place since the 1960's and the council reaffirmed this as policy in 2013, as agreed by an all party meeting of the council. Therefore, the site must be maintained as a sports venue and not be re-designated as suitable for housing.
2. When Oakmoor (Sharmans Cross Limited) acquired the lease to the pitches and freehold of the adjacent site, they agreed to respect all of the covenants.
3. However, Oakmoor have consistently refused to honour these commitments to maintain the site as a sporting facility, and over the last ten years the site has been unused and become more derelict, unsightly and unsafe.
4. Solihull Council must honour its commitment to the residents of Solihull and their policy to ensure the site is used for sporting activities.
5. There is an obvious need for the site to be used as a sporting facility as various sports groups/organisations have approached Oakmoor to use the site thus indicating the need to retain the site for sporting purposes and not to be used for housing. These approaches have been consistently refused. It is clear Oakmoor are not abiding by their stated intention to meet the obligations of the covenant.
6. The country has an increasing issue with obesity and health related issues, therefore the council should be encouraging and promoting physical and sporting activities across a wide range of sporting venues.
7. Adjacent to the Site 245 are Solihull Arden Tennis Club, Solihull Football Club and Sharmans Cross Junior School, all with longstanding and well used sports grounds and facilities, of which the former Rugby Club was an integral part. The site should be maintained as a sports ground and the venue redeveloped to reinstate the former status quo. This will promote a cohesive sports facility enabling access by a wide range of ages, abilities and interests.
Further objections related to any proposed development:
1. Over Development: The proposed development of 67 / 100 houses is completely out of character with the surrounding area - roads such as Sharmans Cross Road, Winterbourne Road and Welcombe Grove. The 67-100 houses or dwellings would inevitably be accomplished by using buildings of multiple floors which is completely out of character with the surrounding area.
2. The proposal of 100 houses is 15% MORE than the 87 houses proposed by Oakmoor developers 8 years ago, which the council turned down.
3. Traffic Congestion: 100 houses would inevitably lead to increased traffic and congestion on an already very busy road. Some owners / occupiers may have no cars; many will have more than one.
4. Increased Dangers to Pedestrians and Cyclists: The greatly increased volume of traffic will create additional dangers for pedestrians and cyclists (who use the designated cycle route), including the many young school children who walk and cycle to the nearby Sharmans Cross Junior school. The Council's Road Safety Team has been working with the school to promote walking and cycling to school. The development would increase the dangers to the children.
5. Parking Congestion: The very high density of housing proposed would lead to parking congestion on site and nearby roads. New developments lack sufficient provision for owner or visitor parking. This will lead to vehicles being parked on adjacent roads such as Sharmans Cross Road, Woodside Way, Dorchester Road and Winterbourne Road.
6. Environment: The area is a well-established green space with many mature trees and areas of wildlife, including bats and badgers. I regularly see bats flying around my garden.

In conclusion, I believe the Site 245 must be retained for sporting purposes and must not be included in the Local Development Plan for housing.

I am writing to express my multiple concerns in relation to the proposed housing development on Sharmans Cross Road. As a home owner of 42 Winterbourne Road, we back onto the site. My objections are as follows:-

1) Local Amenities - As a mother of 2 children (aged 13 & 12), I am concerned about the lack of local amenities to service an increased community/population as a result of 67-100 properties being built i.e. school & college places, doctor, hospitals etc.

2) Flooding -We already experience issues with flooding on Sharmans Cross Road and in the gardens running along Beaminster Road. The drainage systems are not equipped to cope with additional usage from an additional 67-100 families.

3) Additional traffic and issues with parking - I am concerned from a safety perspective (my children walking to school) and also the increase congestion and gridlock in the morning and evening.

4) Sporting Facilities - I understand the Rugby pitch has a stipulation which requires the site to be used for sporting purpose. I also understand that there have been multiple enquiries to lease holders to use the site for sport e.g. football training. The holders either do not take the enquiries, or price the site unrealistically, so that it makes it unviable for the use it was intended. This really seems to be an underhanded approach by the holders. I understand with this stipulation that these grounds are inappropriate for inclusion in the LDP, even though multiple attempts for planning permission have been put forward.

My son plays for Solihull Moors (under 12's) and my concern is that grounds for sport will disappear with these plans for building and others in the area.

I have a personal understanding of the difficulties in finding local sporting facilities. My husband is a youth football coach, and is finding it increasingly difficult to find grounds to train and play in the local area. We really need to invest in our youth to ensure a healthy lifestyle. Taking away facilities does not support this philosophy. This experience is supported by the data from the National league tables for participation in sport 3 or more times a week which indicates that Solihull is the 3rd quartile (in the 50th to 75th spot).

I am really concerned with these plan, and would appreciate you an acknowledgement.

Reference the proposed planning development of houses on the Sharmans cross Road Rugby Club grounds.
I object to the development as a local resident for the following reasons 1. Density - The development will destroy the character of the neighbourhood. 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.
2. Increased traffic and associated pollution - The development will have a serious effect on highway safety and the convenience of road users,
including:
. Increased volumes of traffic moving in/out of new site, most likely
turning right out of site towards town, increasing gridlock on Sharmans Cross Rd, Streetsbrook Road, inevitable increase of traffic on side roads.
(SX Rd is currently jammed from 7.45am to 9.00am.)
. Danger to pedestrians, unaccompanied children going to/from Sharmans
Cross Junior School and secondary schools.
. Danger to cyclists, as this is a designated cycle route.
3. Parking - In addition to cramped parking for the new development, Arden Club could lose approximately 75 parking spaces. This will affect safety and congestion through increased street parking. Parking is already chaotic during peak times/school drop-off and pick up/sporting fixtures.
4. Flooding - Sharmans Cross Road is already subject to flooding during heavy rain. The development will worsen this problem.
5. Permanent loss of sporting facilities - This is one of five sports grounds at risk in the LDP. As there is a shortage of pitches in Solihull, SMBC has a statutory requirement to ensure lost pitches are replaced with facilities of equivalent quality and accessibility. Sport England has found that Solihull is in the 3rd quartile nationally for over-16 participation in sport three times per week and continues to fall in the national league tables.
The extra volume of traffic would cause further traffic congestion along Streetsbrook Road which at present from around 0745 to 0915 traffic can be queueing thom Solihull Centre right back to St Bernards Road.

LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN: SITE 245
(Sharmans Cross Road)

OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSED DESTRUCTION OF THE RUGBY FIELDS IN SHARMANS CROSS ROAD

Health Challenges

Perhaps the biggest health challenge we face is obesity, particularly amongst the young. It is resulting in the growth in health problems such as diabetes and heart disease that is costing the NHS millions.
Diabetes treatment alone currently costs the NHS ten per cent of its budget.
Exercise is one of the most important ways to help prevent heart disease, and to both prevent and reverse type 2 diabetes.
An ever increasing body of scientific evidence firmly suggests that exercise can help to prevent a wide range of other illnesses including cancer; indeed, the breadth of this evidence is even surprising the scientific community.
In addition, there is an ever growing problem of mental illness affecting young people as a result of addiction to social media. Sport, in particular team sports, with its social interaction, is one of the most effective strategies for treating mental illness.
At public meetings the whole community has been very upset to hear that clubs asking to use the rugby field at Sharmans Cross Road have had their requests refused by Oakmoor Ltd - even though there is a legal agreement that they must not allow the land to be used for any purpose other than as a sports ground.
This is one of five sports grounds at risk in the LDP. As there is a shortage of pitches in Solihull, SMBC has a statutory requirement to ensure lost pitches are replaced with facilities of equivalent quality and, importantly, accessibility. Sport England has found that Solihull is in the 3rd quartile nationally for over-16 participation in sport three times per week and continues to fall in the national league tables.

Density
The development will destroy the character of the neighbourhood. 100 houses are effectively 4-5 times the density of property that surrounds it. 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.

Increased Traffic and Pollution
The development will seriously affect road and pedestrian safety. There will be increased traffic moving in and out of any new site, most likely turning right out of the site towards the town centre thus increasing gridlock on Sharmans Cross Road, Streetsbrook Road and adjacent side roads. Sharmans Cross Road is currently jammed from 7.45am to 9.00am. This increase will significantly add to the danger of pedestrians and unaccompanied children going to and from Sharmans Cross Junior School and local secondary schools. It will significantly add to the danger faced by cyclists, as this is a designated cycle route.

Parking
In addition to cramped parking for the new development, Arden Club could lose approximately 75 parking spaces. This will affect safety and congestion through increased street parking. Parking is already a serious problem during peak times and at school drop-off and pick up times. Street parking on Sharmans Cross Road already means that at times the road is effectively a single lane with cars having to pull in to let oncoming traffic pass.

Flooding
Sharmans Cross Road is already subject to flooding during heavy rain. The development will worsen this problem. The drains do not currently cope - something that is well known to the council and water authorities. The rugby ground also plays an important role in absorbing rain water. The amount of flooding in the road would be significantly increased if the rugby ground was built on.

Design and Appearance
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.

Schools and Medical Centres
These amenities are already oversubscribed, and this development will inevitably increase demand leading to a degradation of services for all.

Sustainability
The National Planning Policy Framework requires developments to have access to local amenities within 800m/10 minutes' walk. The site is 1700m from Solihull town centre and 1000m from the station, so these criteria are not met.

In conclusion, the number of playing fields in Solihull is totally inadequate and as Solihull continues to grow, their importance cannot be over-stated.
I, therefore, demand that the ALL PARTY policy decision of 2013, confirming the sports ground only covenant , and not selling the freehold, be upheld.

I am saddened to hear yet another proposal to build up to 100 houses on the rugby ground on Sharmans Cross Road

I reside on Sharmans Cross Road and have already seen the increase in traffic since the extension plans for the junior school.

The parents will soon no longer be able to park in the Sharmans Cross pub as the landlord will be withdrawing this favour which will create more parking and congestion on Sharmans Cross Road and the side roads.

A huge development of this size will only add pressure onto the already poor drainage system that cannot cope with any heavy rainfall at the best of times.

With obesity at an all time high especially in children , I think it is vital that we retain and utilise the facilities that are available to us. The neighbouring sporting facilities of Arden Tennis Club, Hotpod Yoga and Silhill Football Club are popular venues used by the local communities to keep active and stay healthy.

Please allow someone to develop this site in a sporting capacity so that we can secure the local health & fitness of our residents going forward.

I am writing to object to the plan for up to 100 new homes on Sharmans Cross Road.

High-density housing of this kind is completely out of keeping with the area and neighbouring properties.

Traffic problems come high on my list of concerns. Parking issues and traffic congestion along Sharmans Cross Road are steadily increasing and, whatever the developers may claim, these homes will make the situation far worse.

What about the facilities and amenities needed by the residents on this development? Where will their children go to school, when schools in this area are already oversubscribed? Which doctor will they see, when surgeries are oversubscribed?
And what sports facilities will they use, if yet another one's been taken away?

However, most important of all, the site earmarked for this development is subject to a Covenant stipulating that the land should only be as a sports ground. Oakmoor Ltd (the lessor) have undertaken to honour this covenant. Solihull Council must do likewise and firmly reject all plans for this development.

Objection to LDP - Site 245
I would like to put forward my objections to Site 245 (Sharmans Cross Road Old Rugby Ground) being included in the Local Development Plan:
1. My primary reason is the site has an existing covenant to be used for sporting purposes and ancillary facilities to sport. This has been in place since the 1960's and the council reaffirmed this as policy in 2013, agreed by an all party meeting of the council. Therefore, the site must be maintained as a sports venue and not be re-designated as suitable for housing.
2. When Oakmoor (Sharmans Cross Limited) bought the lease to the pitches and freehold of the adjacent site, they agreed to respect all the covenants.
3. Oakmoor have consistently refused to honour these commitments to maintain the site as a sporting facility, and over the last ten years the site has been unused and become more derelict.
4. Solihull Council must honour its commitment to the residents of Solihull and the policy to ensure the site is used for sporting activities.
5. There is an obvious need for the site to be used as a sporting facility as various sports organisations have approached Oakmoor to use the site, but these have been consistently refused. It is clear Oakmoor are not abiding by their stated intention to meet the obligations of the covenant.
6. The country has an increasing issue with obesity and health related issues, therefore the council should be encouraging and promoting physical and sporting activities across a wide range of sporting venues.
7. Adjacent to the Site 245 are Solihull Arden Tennis Club, Solihull Football Club and Sharmans Cross Junior School, all with longstanding and well used sports grounds and facilities, of which the former Rugby Club was an integral part. The site should be maintained as a sports ground and the venue redeveloped to reinstate the former status quo. This will promote a cohesive sports facility enabling access by a wide range of ages, abilities and interests.
Further objections related to any proposed development:

8. Over Development: The proposed development of 67 / 100 houses is completely out of character with the surrounding area - roads such as Sharmans Cross Road, Winterbourne Road and Welcombe Grove.
The proposal of 100 houses is 15% MORE than the 87 houses proposed by Oakmoor developers 8 years ago, which the council turned down.
The 100 houses or dwellings would inevitably be accomplished by using buildings of multiple floors which is completely out of character with the surrounding area.

9. Traffic Congestion: 100 houses would inevitably lead to increased traffic and congestion on an already very busy road. Some owners / occupiers may have no cars; many will have more than one.

10. Increased Dangers to Pedestrians and Cyclists: The greatly increased volume of traffic will create additional dangers for pedestrians and cyclists (who use the designated cycle route), including the many young school children who walk and cycle to the nearby Sharmans Cross Junior school. The Council's Road Safety Team has been working with the school to promote walking and cycling to school. The development would increase the dangers to the children.

11. Parking Congestion: The very high density of housing proposed would lead to parking congestion on site and nearby roads. New developments lack sufficient provision for owner or visitor parking. This will lead to vehicles being parked on adjacent roads such as Sharmans Cross Road, Woodside Way, Dorchester Road and Winterbourne Road.

12. Environment: The area is a well-established green space with many mature trees and areas of wildlife, including bats and badgers. I regularly see bats flying around my garden.