BASE HEADER

No

ID sylw: 106088

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Annabelle Pace-Burr

Reference: Objection to Hockley Heath SG24

We have been residents of Hockley Heath for eight years and I am extremely concerned about the scale of the development being proposed and the flawed reasoning behind selecting SG24 as a strategic growth location.

1. Green Belt and Environmental Impact
The proposed site encroaches on the Green Belt, with no exceptional circumstances to justify its release. Developing this land would cause irreversible environmental damage, including the loss of vital green space and increased flood risks due to the removal of natural drainage areas.

2. Strain on Infrastructure and Local Services
Hockley Heath does not have the necessary infrastructure to accommodate a development of this scale. Secondary schools in the surrounding area are already oversubscribed, and there is no clear plan to expand capacity. New residents would likely have to travel long distances to secure school places. The village has limited shops/leisure facilities and community services. A development of this size would place unsustainable pressure on existing services, negatively impacting both new and current residents.

3. Traffic Congestion and Road Safety
The A3400 and surrounding roads are already heavily congested, particularly when there are issues on the M40 and M42. This development would significantly increase traffic levels, worsening congestion and raising serious road safety concerns. Additionally, many of the affected roads (including School Road, Spring Lane, Cut Throat Lane) are narrow and unsuitable for higher traffic volumes. Road widening would require compulsory purchase of private land, which has not been properly planned for or addressed.

4. Flooding and Drainage Risks
Hockley Heath already experiences severe surface water flooding, particularly along key routes such as A3400, School Road and Spring Lane. The existing drainage system is inadequate, and SG24 would only worsen the problem by increasing impermeable surfaces and placing additional pressure on already strained infrastructure.

5. Village Identity and Strategic Planning Conflicts
Hockley Heath is a small rural village with a distinct character. Large-scale development would permanently alter the identity of Hockley Heath. Additionally, the failure to coordinate with Solihull Council is a major concern. Whilst this plan falls under South Warwickshire’s jurisdiction, it is Solihull’s infrastructure (schools, healthcare services, and transport networks) that would bear the burden. Solihull Council has already expressed opposition to this development, highlighting the financial and logistical strain it would place on its resources.

6. Lack of Economic Justification
Hockley Heath is not a major employment hub, meaning most new residents would need to commute to work. This contradicts national sustainability objectives by increasing car dependency and contributing to higher carbon emissions. The SWLP has also failed to provide evidence that this development would deliver meaningful local economic benefits. The justification for choosing SG24 over more suitable alternatives appears flawed and lacks transparency.

Conclusion
Hockley Heath is entirely inappropriate for large scale development. The South Warwickshire Local Plan must prioritise sustainable and well planned growth, and SG24 fails to meet these standards. This proposal would cause irreversible damage to the village’s character, environment and infrastructure while contradicting both national and local planning policies.

I urge the council to remove SG24 from the South Warwickshire Local Plan and instead focus on more suitable, sustainable locations for housing development.