Policy P19 Range and Quality of Local Services

Definite policies to enhance the offering of local shopping should be included.

The proposals relating to local shopping facilities should be stronger and positively set out to support and enhance these facilities. The current pandemic has shown a major change in shopping habits with fewer people shopping in large towns and more in local centres.

Whilst the Trust supports the contents of this policy in particular relation to part 5, we would urge that it is amended to make clear it applies to cultural facilities. This will ensure conformity and consistency with the NPPF in particular paragraph 92.

Provisin needs tio be made on the Moat Lane depot site or a suitable alternative for Renewal Church to be able to grow.

The Submission Local Plan makes no provision for future growth of cultural, religious or social needs of the growing communities being created by the additional housing is areas across the Borough or enhancing those needs for the existing population of Solihull.

Cultural religious and social groups are not considered as an element of the community that should be recognised or supported in any of proposed policies in the Local Plan.

Renewal, a Christian church, have been in discussion with the Council about significantly extending its facilities close to the centre of Solihull, in order to provide for the spiritual needs of the population in the area as well as providing additional services for supporting the vulnerable, and the wider needs of the community.

An appropriate site would require land of between 1- 2 hectares with car parking provision and facilities for the wider community. However, the Council have negated any proposals that we have come forward with and have not come up with any suggested alternative site or made any provision in the Local Plan, even in very general terms, for such land uses. It would seem that the Council does not easily recognise the need for other elements that make up a proper, fully functioning balanced community.

Many other religious, sports and social groups meet in other premises such as schools, because no proper provision is made in the development plan for those to develop purpose-built facilities for their need. No provision has been made in the broader Local Plan or in the latest version Solihull Town Centre Masterplan which concentrates on more housing and business uses\

Renewal church is currently located in converted industrial buildings off Lode Lane. Those buildings are far from ideal for any functioning modern church serving a growing congregation of over 1500, as well as providing a wide range of community support, in conjunction with the Council.

Approaches to the Council to use part of the Moat Lane Depot site next door to the church have been rebuffed.

Provision should be made in the local plan by designation of land for significant social, cultural and community buildings. Such sites should be brownfield within the urban area, rather than green field sites, unless those are in close proximity to major centres of population. The Local Plan should address the issues of such uses and either make appropriate provision of sites in the Plan, or address the issue in general terms setting out where such uses can be considered in spatial terms and what support the Council would give in terms of considering such applications.

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