Policy UK2 - Land at Damson Parkway

The opening sentence of the Policy UK2 should be amended to read:
“This site is allocated for employment development. It provides for general local employment needs together with the needs associated with the key economic assets in the UK Central Solihull Hub Area, and for a potential relocated Household Waste and Recycling Centre and Depot as set in Policy P12”
2. Paragraph 859 should be amended to read as follows:

“This is an employment land release of c94 ha (gross). Allowing for development already committed/built and green/blue infrastructure requirements the allocated area amounts to c39 ha. net. It will provide additional employment land to meet wider identified needs, together with providing for future expansion for JLR and JLR related activities and ancillary development to Birmingham Airport. Part of the site also provides a potential option for a relocated Household Waste and Recycling Centre and Depot as set out in Policy P12.

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This is an objection to the new proposed site on damson pArkway . This is not the appropriate area for this to happen . I live on damson parkway and the parkway is already immensely overloaded with traffic . We have had to put up with the constant nuisance of JLR traffic at throughout the day and evening . The constant mess they make and the unsightly new buildings are a major eyesore when will it all end . And now u want to bring us a rubbish tip too. This is an accident waiting to happen damson lane is already used as a rat race and our roads can not cope with any more traffic not to mention the pollution this will cause . Solihull used to be so lovely lived here for 20 years in peace but now Solihull council has gone downhill left all our damson parkway looking an eyesore with no grass cuts for ages left to overgrow and then we get a promise of plants laughable really .the mess JRL has made and u have allowed it . I pity who ever has to live next to it and put up with this nuisance .

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Solihull Local Plans
UK CENTRAL HUB UK 2 section 105 and 831
I would like to register my objection to the Solihull Plans to potentially relocate the HWRC to Damson Parkway.
I have lived just off Damson Lane for 34 years and have been dismayed at the increase in traffic we have experienced in that time as well as the way JLR keeps adding to their already extensive site and taking over green belt as they do, making it feel as if we live in the middle of a factory. The local roads are really very busy in all directions at Shift changeover times along with the large lorries going to and from JLR. The new logistics centre has necessitated changes to the local roads and with a multi storey car park as part of the scheme I dread to think how busy that stretch will become at certain times of day.
It is a pleasant residential area with many families living here, two schools and two parks. We chose to live here for those amenities and wish it to stay that way and not feel part of a more urban landscape.
Damson Parkway is not at all suitable to relocate the Tip. In its current position it attracts long queues but is not near any residential areas so works well. To add to our already very busy roads is a great mistake and I hope that other sites will be found to be far more appropriate.

Given the apparent lack of community involvement regarding the proposed relocation of the HWRC to a site within the UK2 allocation, the plan should justify the need for improved HWRC facilities, provide the potential options including expanding the existing site. In each option and where applicable the location of the HWRC, including access points, should be identified on the map. The plan should state how the LPA will arrive at a decision and consult on the preferred option, be evidence based and in line with Solihull's Statement of Community Involvement.

See attached representation form

Given the apparent lack of community involvement regarding the proposed relocation of the HWRC to a site within the UK2 allocation, the plan should justify the need for improved HWRC facilities, provide the potential options including expanding the existing site. In each option and where applicable the location of the HWRC, including access points, should be identified on the map. The plan should state how the LPA will arrive at a decision and consult on the preferred option, be evidence based and in line with Solihull's Statement of Community Involvement.

See attached representation form

Given the apparent lack of community involvement regarding the proposed relocation of the HWRC to a site within the UK2 allocation, the plan should justify the need for improved HWRC facilities, provide the potential options including expanding the existing site. In each option and where applicable the location of the HWRC, including access points, should be identified on the map. The plan should state how the LPA will arrive at a decision and consult on the preferred option, be evidence based and in line with Solihull's Statement of Community Involvement.

See attached representation form

Given the apparent lack of community involvement regarding the proposed relocation of the HWRC to a site within the UK2 allocation, the plan should justify the need for improved HWRC facilities, provide the potential options including expanding the existing site. In each option and where applicable the location of the HWRC, including access points, should be identified on the map. The plan should state how the LPA will arrive at a decision and consult on the preferred option, be evidence based and in line with Solihull's Statement of Community Involvement.

See attached representation form

Given the apparent lack of community involvement regarding the proposed relocation of the HWRC to a site within the UK2 allocation, the plan should justify the need for improved HWRC facilities, provide the potential options including expanding the existing site. In each option and where applicable the location of the HWRC, including access points, should be identified on the map. The plan should state how the LPA will arrive at a decision and consult on the preferred option, be evidence based and in line with Solihull's Statement of Community Involvement.

See attached representation form

Given the apparent lack of community involvement regarding the proposed relocation of the HWRC to a site within the UK2 allocation, the plan should justify the need for improved HWRC facilities, provide the potential options including expanding the existing site. In each option and where applicable the location of the HWRC, including access points, should be identified on the map. The plan should state how the LPA will arrive at a decision and consult on the preferred option, be evidence based and in line with Solihull's Statement of Community Involvement.

See attached representation form

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Re: Paragraph 105 & 831 Site Map Reference UK2

The objective of a planning committee should be to create a cohesive and healthy environment whereby domestic housing and Industry remain separate. We strongly object to the proposed siting of the household recycling centre on the basis that this predominantly housing area has been massively overdeveloped over the last ten years by industrial projects.

We moved into Luddington Road twenty five years ago when it was a pleasant and well ordered suburb. We have since witnessed the planners rubber stamp massive expansion for JLR for both the enormous logistics centre and also the vehicle dispatch area, including the unsightly industrial looking road bridge that spans Damson Lane.

We also suffer the environmental fallout from the year on year expansion of Birmingham Airport with its ever increasing passenger numbers.

The necessity for airport expansion with the benefits it brings to Birmingham and Solihull was fair and reasonable. However, It's as clear as day that JLR should have relocated years ago given that they are surrounded on all sides by domestic housing. A clear example of massive planning errors and lack of foresight!! This area cannot sustain any further industrial development without suffering catastrophic urban decay.

If the proposed site is to be developed it should be for much needed additional housing to compliment what already exists in this area. There has to be a more appropriate brown field site for what will always be a very unsightly and unhealthy facility for those living in close proximity.

Please don't blight the lives of many thousands of long standing,law abiding and respectful residents that have strived for most of their lives to maintain this area as a pleasant,clean and peaceful place in which to live and raise their families.

To avoid turning this well established area of mature domestic housing into a decaying industrial wasteland, an alternative site must be found to house the household recycling centre.
THE PLANNERS MUST REJECT THIS PROPOSAL

Re: Paragraph 105 & 831 Site Map Reference UK2

The objective of a planning committee should be to create a cohesive and healthy environment whereby domestic housing and Industry remain separate. We strongly object to the proposed siting of the household recycling centre on the basis that this predominantly housing area has been massively overdeveloped over the last ten years by industrial projects.

We moved into Luddington Road twenty five years ago when it was a pleasant and well ordered suburb. We have since witnessed the planners rubber stamp massive expansion for JLR for both the enormous logistics centre and also the vehicle dispatch area, including the unsightly industrial looking road bridge that spans Damson Lane.

We also suffer the environmental fallout from the year on year expansion of Birmingham Airport with its ever increasing passenger numbers.

The necessity for airport expansion with the benefits it brings to Birmingham and Solihull was fair and reasonable. However, It's as clear as day that JLR should have relocated years ago given that they are surrounded on all sides by domestic housing. A clear example of massive planning errors and lack of foresight!! This area cannot sustain any further industrial development without suffering catastrophic urban decay.

If the proposed site is to be developed it should be for much needed additional housing to compliment what already exists in this area. There has to be a more appropriate brown field site for what will always be a very unsightly and unhealthy facility for those living in close proximity.

Please don't blight the lives of many thousands of long standing,law abiding and respectful residents that have strived for most of their lives to maintain this area as a pleasant,clean and peaceful place in which to live and raise their families.

To avoid turning this well established area of mature domestic housing into a decaying industrial wasteland, an alternative site must be found to house the household recycling centre.
THE PLANNERS MUST REJECT THIS PROPOSAL

Although it is unclear to either of us from the proposals as to precisely where the location is intended to be, we strongly object to the move to this already saturated and decimated residential area.

I personally have lived in Damsonwood for over 35 years and the changes- largely driven by JLR- have been substantial with a considerable alteration to not only the landscape but the footfall through what was a relatively quiet residential area notwithstanding the proximity to both JLR and the airport.

The new JLR Logistics centre is incredible in its size and the speed at which it has been assembled. Objections were made at the relevant time to this and it is therefore pointless reiterating them now suffice to say that despite assurances, it is undeniable that this is not only a blot on the landscape but will increase traffic, noise and pollution.

At the other end of Damsonwood, the Land Rover sports field will be lost in the not too distant future to car parking for JLR.

For this reason in itself it really beggars belief that the area of Damson Parkway is being considered for the relocation of the tip.

JLR always manage to get their way but on this, we really feel it is the final straw. Please do not turn this once very green residential area into nothing more than an industrial estate.

Although it is unclear to either of us from the proposals as to precisely where the location is intended to be, we strongly object to the move to this already saturated and decimated residential area.

I personally have lived in Damsonwood for over 35 years and the changes- largely driven by JLR- have been substantial with a considerable alteration to not only the landscape but the footfall through what was a relatively quiet residential area notwithstanding the proximity to both JLR and the airport.

The new JLR Logistics centre is incredible in its size and the speed at which it has been assembled. Objections were made at the relevant time to this and it is therefore pointless reiterating them now suffice to say that despite assurances, it is undeniable that this is not only a blot on the landscape but will increase traffic, noise and pollution.

At the other end of Damsonwood, the Land Rover sports field will be lost in the not too distant future to car parking for JLR.

For this reason in itself it really beggars belief that the area of Damson Parkway is being considered for the relocation of the tip.

JLR always manage to get their way but on this, we really feel it is the final straw. Please do not turn this once very green residential area into nothing more than an industrial estate.

I lodge the following as a representation from Wendy Blackburn of 39 Huxbey Drive, Solihull, B92 0PN on the draft submission of Solihull Local Plan AGAINST the proposed move of the current HWRC and Moat Lane Depop to site 12, being the 'preferred' site on Damson Parkway.

I am not qualified to comment on the ground of being a qualified solicitor however I AM fully qualified to enter a representation as having been a member of the local community for 30 years.

One first point of confusion is that in the " Assessment of land for potential re-location ofa Household Wast Recycling Centre and Dept" June 2019 the conclusion for site 12 was "redevopment of this site would be contrary to emerging strategic planning policy....and should be discountined".
The second point is that the current site is no longer required for the upcoming HS2.

Moving on.

Solihull Local Plan is to put people first and it is on this fundamental ground that I challenge whether the plan is both sound or legally compliant.
To be legally compliant:
1) Does if follow the local development scheme?
Answer, not a clue as I do not know what it is.

2) Have we carried out community engagement?
Answer, absolultely 100% zero community engagement at all. Nothing, zilch.

3) Sustainability Appraisal....
Answer, I have no doubt that to build on 15 acres of natural habit - the actual site of which has not yet been specified - can in no way have passed any 'sustainability appraisal' that wasn't seriously weighted against it. Do not forget that the MONSTROSITY that is now the JLR has already destroyed a vast area running along Damson Parkway, the likes of which is truly heartbreaking and an absolute eyesore.

4) Regard to Nation Planning Policy.
Answer, once again, no clue.

5) Duty to co-operate.
Answer, what does that even mean?!!!!!! Plain English would be nice.

To be sound:
1) Positively prepared - objectively assessed needs.
Answer, the current site is no longer needed for HS2

2) Justified with clear evidence.
Answer, there are at least 2 other sites that have not been taken into sufficient consideration. Site 2 is NOT close to a residential area and the isolated location lends itself to being ideal for not affecting the local community. UNLIKE the 'preferred' site on Damson Parkway. The same with Site 7, this has no local community NOR is it in current greenbelt.

3) Effective and deliverable.
Answer, not a clue.

4) Consistent with national planning.
Answer, once again I am not up to speed with national planning.

In conclusion,
Being 'sound' and 'legally compliant' both fail 2 of the required criteria for the proposal. Ergo the proposal is not flawed and should be deleted in it's present form.

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Section 105 of the Solihull Draft Local Plan. Land off Damson Parkway which states: ...part of the land has also been identified as an option for a relocated Household Waste and Recycling Centre and the Council Depot.

As a local Solihull Metropolitan Borough Councillor and also a local resident to this area I know there had been no community engagement or councillor engagement about the proposal to relocate the HWRC and the depot to land off Damson Parkway before the plan was published. We were told that land was for light industrial use. The first we knew about it was after the plan was published. Therefore this goes against the statutory requirement.

I can also see no justification for relocating the HWRC and Council Depot in this area for the following reasons:

Policy P12. Protecting and enhancing our environment, Resource Management.

It is my opinion that this is contrary to Policy P12 as far as the local community is concerned.
This area is already over used by JLR. It has become a no go area for many local people. JLR monopolise the area with hundreds of cars going in and out of the factory at all times of the day with their many different shift times. Every vehicle that is made in the factory has the parts brought into the plant in huge HGVs. Every completed vehicle is sent out of the factory on transporters carrying 7 or 8 vehicles at a time. This takes place hundreds of times a day.
To even contemplate having more vehicles in this same area using the same roads will put an even greater strain on the area.
The fumes from the vehicles already in the area cause high carbon emissions. While Policy P12, Resource Management may be beneficial to the council, but to local community this with be contrary to P12 as it will cause smells, more carbon emission and more time to get to their destination due to the increase in traffic as well as the social cost and devaluation of properties

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Dear Solihull PSP

I would like to put forward my comments and concerns regarding the wide ranging proposals outlined in your ''2020 Vision for Solihull’’ document.

Whilst i fully understand and accept the need for the council to have to meet a variety of challenges and demands around housing, support for businesses and of course the environmental impacts. The sheer size and scope of the proposals is very concerning and if implemented I suggest will completely destroy the ‘’Town in the Country’’ image that Solihull is so well known for and so greatly treasured by its residents (and I would expect, by Solihull council).

The proposals if they go ahead will surely just turn the borough into a huge urban sprawl that will be indistinguishable from the neighbouring city of Birmingham?

The two main areas of concern for me and I suspect most Solihull residents, are as follows:

1, The number and size of the proposed housing developments, particularly those proposed for sites in Catherine De Barnes, Hampton in Arden and Meriden. In excess of 1000 new homes in what have been for centuries, small villages.

2, The proposed relocation of the Bickenhill Waste disposal site to the corner of Damson Parkway and the A45 Coventry Rd. This proposal is problematic for the following reasons:

- the environmental impact, noise and disruption in the construction of such a site. No doubt this will be a signifiant development with many months of major construction works.
- the destruction of yet more valuable green belt land, which is in short supply and which the council claims to hold so sacred!
- the noise and pollution that this site will bring when it becomes operational, particularly from heavy vehicles entering and leaving the site
- the traffic chaos that will be caused by traffic using the site having to compete for limited road space with JLR factory traffic and that from the soon to be opened JLR logistics centre. Traffic chaos already exists at JLR shift changeover times and on match days for the Solihull Moors Football Club.

Bringing the waste site to Damson Parkway will be a complete disaster for the local residents who have already had to endure 18 months of pollution and disruption from the construction of the JLR Logistics centre. Which is yet to open and will no doubt cause severe traffic problems of its own.

It will also completely destroy the semi-rural nature of the area by effectively turning what was a residential housing estate near the Land Rover Factory, into a major industrial area.

It seems that Residents of the Damson Parkway estate will be under fire from 2 major developments to the North and West.

There must be other more viable options than to bring a major industrial facility to an already congested Residential area?

I strongly urge the planning and delivery directorate decision makers to reconsider their proposals, particularly with regard to the relocation of the Bickenhill Waste site and Moat Lane Depot to Damson Parkway.
Such sites should surely be located away from residential areas and be contained within or adjacent to an already established industrial estate?

I wish to register my objections in the strongest possible terms.

I am writing to object to the relocation of Bickenhill tip & Moat lane depot to Damson Parkway Solihull.
As a resident I have noticed the increase of traffic over the years from Jaguar Land Rover & with the new logistics site opening next year it will only increase.
Plus with the traffic from Solihull Moors, especially on match days tailbacks can be ridiculous at times.
Now to propose Bickenhill tip & Moat lane depot to relocate to Damson Parkway will only heighten the problem, which the area already struggles with.
Also I thought we should be protecting & enhancing the environment (P12). The wildlife of the area has already lost so much & to loose even more greenbelt land would be tragic.

The policy should reference the significant archaeological potential of this area and highlight that, prior to the submission of any planning application, a detailed archaeological assessment, including evaluative fieldwork, should be undertaken. It should further advise that results of the assessment should inform the development of a strategy, if appropriate, to mitigate the potential archaeological impact of the proposed development and that this strategy may include designing the development to avoid impacting any archaeological features present which are worthy of conservation.

As highlighted on pg. 19 of the 2020 Archaeological Assessment undertaken by the Warwickshire County Council Archaeological Information and Advice team on behalf of SMBC*, this site has significant archaeological potential. This potential, and the need for further archaeological assessment in advance of the submission of any planning application is not referenced in this policy. As the results of the assessment may influence the final form of the development across this area, it should be.

*Warwickshire County Council, 2020. 'Archaeological Assessment to Inform the Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council Local Plan. Additional Sites, 2020'. Warwick: Archaeological Information and Advice

The opening sentence of the Policy UK2 should be amended to read:
“This site is allocated for employment development. It provides for general local employment needs together with the needs associated with the key economic assets in the UK Central Solihull Hub Area, and for a potential relocated Household Waste and Recycling Centre and Depot as set in Policy P12”
2. Paragraph 859 should be amended to read as follows:

“This is an employment land release of c94 ha (gross). Allowing for development already committed/built and green/blue infrastructure requirements the allocated area amounts to c39 ha. net. It will provide additional employment land to meet wider identified needs, together with providing for future expansion for JLR and JLR related activities and ancillary development to Birmingham Airport. Part of the site also provides a potential option for a relocated Household Waste and Recycling Centre and Depot as set out in Policy P12.

See attachments