Solihull Local Plan (Draft Submission) 2020

Support

Representation ID: 11127

Received: 12/12/2020

Respondent: Natural England

We welcome reference to the importance of and need for quality ‘blue and green infrastructure’ up front. Now more than ever, in light of climate change targets and the aspirations of Defras 25 Year Environment Plan (25YEP), the need for improved biodiversity protection and enhancement needs to take its place at the heart of a strategic plan and indeed, embedded throughout relevant themes to secure its delivery.

Support

Representation ID: 11128

Received: 12/12/2020

Respondent: Natural England

(p.5) NE wholly welcomes the reference to the Meriden Gap at para 11 and its ‘strategic importance’ in separating Solihull and Birmingham from Coventry. The Meriden Gap is also an important N-S ecological corridor recognised by Natural England and we would resist development within the area which compromised this function. This evidence will be drawn out via the emerging LNRS / wider NRN .

Object

Representation ID: 11129

Received: 12/12/2020

Respondent: Natural England

Legally compliant? Not specified

Sound? Not specified

Duty to co-operate? Not specified

RECOMMENDATION:
Overview of the Borough (p.8)
NE are disappointed to see no reference to natural assets in the description of the borough.

Support

Representation ID: 11130

Received: 12/12/2020

Respondent: Natural England

Para. 38 - Challenges identified are generally supported.

Support

Representation ID: 11131

Received: 12/12/2020

Respondent: Natural England

Challenge K - NE support. No further comments.

Support

Representation ID: 11132

Received: 12/12/2020

Respondent: Natural England

Challenge L (water quality etc) - Welcome the inclusion of a recognised need to protect the water quality of the River Blythe (SSSI).

Object

Representation ID: 11133

Received: 12/12/2020

Respondent: Natural England

Legally compliant? Not specified

Sound? Not specified

Duty to co-operate? Not specified

RECOMMENDATION
Challenge N - Disappointed to see no mention of green infrastructure or habitat linkages. This is sizeable development and the importance of securing quality green infrastructure for the needs of nature and people is vitally important. Would recommend inclusion of need to plan for and secure such environmental connections alongside the built form. (Cross ref p24 ‘Borough Vision – but not simply connect to wider GI but also embed within).

Support

Representation ID: 11134

Received: 12/12/2020

Respondent: Natural England

Challenge O (providing infrastructure) - Welcomed and supported. Clear delivery mechanism for GI provision via the IDF and annual IDS.

Support

Representation ID: 11135

Received: 12/12/2020

Respondent: Natural England

Council Plan 2020-25 (p.23) - We welcome the provision of the summary of the Council Plan (2020-2025). NE welcomes the 3 core outcomes associated with the enhancing of Solihull’s environment: the recognition of the need to improve air quality and the overall aspiration an enhanced, well connected natural environment with greater numbers of sustainable travel.

Support

Representation ID: 11136

Received: 12/12/2020

Respondent: Natural England

Borough Vision Overview (p.24) - NE welcomes the reference to the need for growth and economic connections associated with HS2 Station Interchange, Birmingham Airport, NEC and JLR to connect to wider green infrastructure.
Welcome and support protection of strategically important ‘Meriden Gap’ going forward
NE welcomes underpinning of Vision by the Council’s Climate Change Declaration 2019 – directly responding to the Governments Climate Emergency and aspiration to become zero carbon by 2041. Also reference to WMCA target.