Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 9617

Received: 15/03/2019

Respondent: Balsall Parish Council

Balsall parish has exceptional circumstances that justify an alternative approach.

The draft Balsall Parish Neighbourhood Development Plan contains Community Aspiration CA1: 'Development on allocated Solihull Local Plan housing sites that will utilise the same construction routes as HS2 contractors should be avoided at the same time as HS2 construction because of the potential disruption to existing residents caused by avoidable increased congestion.'

This consideration affects Frog Lane and Windmill Lane sites.

Comment

Representation ID: 9618

Received: 15/03/2019

Respondent: Balsall Parish Council

The methodology does not consider the cumulative impact of sites assessed as appropriate. A better approach would be to develop a strategic plan taking into account the locations best suited for new residents/infrastructure. Should not be driven by 'cherry picking' most desirable sites to achieve numbers but from a strategic settlement expansion plan. In considering this 'settlement first' approach, the proposal to amend the green belt boundary to the east (paragraph 97) would support retention of the existing green belt boundary to the south-west of Balsall Common and negate sprawl.

Comment

Representation ID: 9619

Received: 15/03/2019

Respondent: Balsall Parish Council

An infrastructure plan is needed to be produced step by step to meet the needs of the population prior to occupation. The emerging Balsall Parish NDP Policies should be considered in relation to;
-Phasing of housing to reduce combined construction impact with HS2
-Investment in retail, community space and parking
-By-pass to relieve congestion on A452
-Additional parking at station
-New Primary/Secondary school places
-Community and civic provision
-Improvements to all transport modes
-Expansion of health services to match population
-Crime reduction measures
-Older persons housing close to centre
Needs should be assessed by SMBC in consultation with Parish Council.

Object

Representation ID: 9620

Received: 15/03/2019

Respondent: Balsall Parish Council

Object, as a 'settlement first' approach should retain green belt boundary to south-west of Balsall Common, with Balsall Street/East a defensible boundary rather than 'cherry pick' site. Would set precedent potentially opening up land to Saracen Drive and impact on rural character of Frog Lane. Preferred use of site should be for expanded sports facilities. Site not accessible as furthest from station and village amenities. Will worsen highway congestion concerns in Balsall Street near to Holly Lane/Alder Lane hot spot and use as single carriageway by buses due to parking. Key local habitat. Medium density housing conflicts with local character.

Comment

Representation ID: 9621

Received: 15/03/2019

Respondent: Balsall Parish Council

Reservations about allocation as site has low accessibility, residents will require high levels of parking, additional traffic accessing already congested Kenilworth Road, phasing conflicts with HS2 construction and must be postponed until HS2 completed and/or by-pass opened.
Should consider emerging Balsall Parish NDP policies in master planning of site; housing to respect local character, mixed development with range of house types and sizes, opportunities for low carbon development, existing trees and hedgerows to be protected, include at least 10% bungalows or other suitable accommodation for downsizing of mobile older residents.

Support

Representation ID: 9622

Received: 15/03/2019

Respondent: Balsall Parish Council

Support as housing on brownfield land favoured, although large proportion of site not PDL. Residents likely to require high levels of parking, .
Should consider emerging Balsall Parish NDP policies in master planning of site notably Policy NE5; mixed development with range of house types and sizes providing market accessible and affordable homes for younger age residents, opportunities for low carbon development, site contains/bounded by important natural features so existing trees and hedgerows must be protected, include at least 10% bungalows or other suitable accommodation for downsizing of mobile older residents, suitable measures to reduce aircraft noise exposure.
Concept masterplan not acceptable. Substantial loss of trees and inadequate protection. No well-defined open space/blue infrastructure, or ecological study. Estate layout of medium density not integrated with or respectful of local character.
Parish Council to provide ecological evidence and expects SMBC to take into account.

Comment

Representation ID: 9623

Received: 15/03/2019

Respondent: Balsall Parish Council

This potential policy proposal to use a percentage of square meter floorspace, percentage of bedrooms or percentage of habitable rooms could lead to undesirable unintended consequences.

Such a scheme should not be used without evidence from such an approach already in use achieving an improvement in provision of affordable housing.

SMBC should have regard to the emerging Balsall Parish NDP Policy H. 7

Comment

Representation ID: 9624

Received: 15/03/2019

Respondent: Balsall Parish Council

This potential policy proposal to use a percentage of square meter floorspace, percentage of bedrooms or percentage of habitable rooms could lead to undesirable unintended consequences.

Such a scheme should not be used without evidence from such an approach already in use achieving an improvement in provision of affordable housing.

SMBC should have regard to the emerging Balsall Parish NDP Policy H. 7

Comment

Representation ID: 9625

Received: 15/03/2019

Respondent: Balsall Parish Council

This potential policy proposal to use a percentage of square meter floorspace, percentage of bedrooms or percentage of habitable rooms could lead to undesirable unintended consequences.

Such a scheme should not be used without evidence from such an approach already in use achieving an improvement in provision of affordable housing.

SMBC should have regard to the emerging Balsall Parish NDP Policy H. 7

Comment

Representation ID: 9626

Received: 15/03/2019

Respondent: Balsall Parish Council

This potential policy proposal to use a percentage of square meter floorspace, percentage of bedrooms or percentage of habitable rooms could lead to undesirable unintended consequences.

Such a scheme should not be used without evidence from such an approach already in use achieving an improvement in provision of affordable housing.

SMBC should have regard to the emerging Balsall Parish NDP Policy H. 7