Draft Local Plan - Supplementary Consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 7312

Received: 10/03/2019

Respondent: Councillor M Wilson

At present, as outlined by Cllr Max Mcloughlin in March 2019 at a Managed Growth session, SMBC has less than 10,000 units classed as Social Housing stock. Clearly, the present and past housing allocation schemes have failed to provide social housing to meet demand. Now we have a shortage; a crisis.

SMBC needs to urgently address this shortage. Areas in the rural South of the Borough need to take up the shortfall, as well as the LEO wards, Shirley and the densely populated North. SCH needs the means to build more homes. Community schemes should also be supported.

Comment

Representation ID: 7314

Received: 10/03/2019

Respondent: Councillor M Wilson

As part of the starter homes initiative the government have made changes to the section 106 agreement to include starter homes as part of the affordable homes requirement for new developments. We need to ensure that the social and affordable homes built are to a standard comparable with more expensive homes and rents capped at affordable levels.

Clearly, habitable size needs to be adequate and comfortable for the inhabitants and those nearby. We need new developments to contribute to ending fuel poverty, so any affordable homes need to have enough space for living/storage and be energy efficient.

Object

Representation ID: 7315

Received: 10/03/2019

Respondent: Councillor M Wilson

Affordable housing should not lack what market homes have in terms of space and storage. Housing strategies should set out targets for the provision of housing , which shall be sufficient to meet the needs of the current and future population, taking account of current levels of homelessness, overcrowding, concealed households, affordability, inadequate or unsuitable housing, and households unable to meet their housing needs without some form of assistance, and taking account of the need to protect land for habitats, industrial and commercial uses, and recreation. So, it should be higher than 40%.

Comment

Representation ID: 7317

Received: 10/03/2019

Respondent: Councillor M Wilson

40% (if it stays at 40% ) should be habitable floorspace, designed so that the tenants may design their own space to suit

Object

Representation ID: 7319

Received: 10/03/2019

Respondent: Councillor M Wilson

In Solihull, initiatives encouraging tenants to take greater control of their homes and communities by becoming involved in co-operatives, tenant management organisations and estate management boards, so long as these don't provide a first step towards privatisation of housing.

So, I am pushing alternative means , other than private development . This should be sought as priority. Plus, private, commercial organisations house builders and their representatives should not be involved in the process of identifying potential, l sites or assessing housing needs on behalf of the local communities in Solihull.

Support

Representation ID: 7328

Received: 10/03/2019

Respondent: Councillor M Wilson

The regeneration of a tired and neglected development is required. I do not usually support demolition of sites, but this is an exception. We must not see the loss of social or co-operative housing, in and around the Kingshurst Parade development, unless it can be shown to be better than refurbishment and extension; also referring to houses in Church and School Close, within the boundary. The consultation and study covering the social, economic and environmental impacts of demolition and refurbishment now being undertaken, with reference to the local energy plan and housing standards, and in conjunction with residents is vital

Support

Representation ID: 7337

Received: 10/03/2019

Respondent: Councillor M Wilson

Poverty and Inequality should be the priorities to be tackled in these areas, particularly in the 3 regeneration Wards and pockets of Castle Bromwich. Life expectancy is 10 years less for someone born in Smith's Wood than in Knowle or Balsall Common.This needs to be tackled.

The North of Solihull (North of the A45) has areas which suffer from inadequate bus services. These affect connectivity to Solihull Town Centre, other parts of the Borough, plus Birmingham, and other out of Borough areas. This affects job prospects.

Green space enhancement is vital to this part of Solihull.

Object

Representation ID: 7338

Received: 10/03/2019

Respondent: Councillor M Wilson

Paragraph 304 of the local plan states that "The residential areas of Castle Bromwich and Marston Green are already largely built up and as such there are limited opportunities for further development without compromising the quality of the environment and existing open spaces".The same must be said of Smith's Wood, the densest populated Ward in the Borough. The Bosworth Field site is not suitable for development. The field needs to be kept at all costs - it is used by Sports Teams (e.g. Solihull Moors) and local community groups for Fun Days.

Object

Representation ID: 7340

Received: 10/03/2019

Respondent: Councillor M Wilson

In addition to the field being used by Sports Teams and Local Community groups, it is also used by individuals to walk and enjoy; a big contribution is made to Community well being, a priority area in SMBC's Green Space Strategy. The boundary area includes Auckland Hall and the Kingfisher Public House. The Hall is a vital fulcrum of community energy and innovation ; home to many groups such as 'Safe and Sound' and 'The Big Local'. It includes the Summerfield Educational Facility and the former Primary School and if a new school is needed, it should locate to site15.

Object

Representation ID: 7343

Received: 10/03/2019

Respondent: Councillor M Wilson

It was always suggested that this site would be kept for Educational Purposes. As part of the local plan, Educational facilities and infrastructure are vital to ensure that any new development works cohesively. The same should be said for the community facility at Auckland Hall which houses various groups (mentioned in earlier objection) and the KIngfisher Foodbank et al. These would need to be rehoused.

Regarding the Sports Field, Sport England would require this to be replaced under mitigation nearby. However, Smith's Wood and the surrounding areas have very little green space for relocation of such a facility.