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ID sylw: 106089

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Rhyan Pace-Burr

Below are my main reasons for opposing this proposal:

1. Impact on village identity and lack of coordination with Solihull Council
Hockley Heath is a small rural village with a distinct character, and large scale development would fundamentally alter its identity. While this plan falls under South Warwickshire’s jurisdiction, it is Solihull’s infrastructure (including schools, healthcare, and transport) that would bear much of the burden. Solihull Council has already expressed opposition to this proposal, highlighting the financial and logistical strain it would place on its resources.

2. Strain on infrastructure and local services
Hockley Heath does not have the infrastructure to support such large scale development with our local Secondary schools already oversubscribed, with no clear expansion plans. The village also has limitations with existing shops and healthcare/leisure services. A development of this size would overwhelm these existing services, reducing the quality of life for both current and future residents.

3. Traffic congestion and road safety
The A3400 and surrounding roads already experience high congestion. Additional housing would dramatically increase traffic, worsening congestion and raising safety concerns. Roads such as School Road and Spring Lane are too narrow to support higher traffic volumes, and any necessary widening could require compulsory purchase of private land, which has not been properly addressed.

4. Flooding and drainage risks
Hockley Heath already suffers from severe surface water flooding, particularly along the A3400, School Road and Spring Lane. The existing drainage infrastructure is inadequate, and increasing impermeable surfaces through development would only worsen the problem, putting homes and roads at greater risk.

5. Green Belt and environmental impact
The proposed site encroaches on protected Green Belt land, and there are no exceptional circumstances to justify why this should be destroyed. Developing this area would lead to the permanent loss of valuable green space and biodiversity, while also increasing flood risks due to the removal of natural drainage.

Hockley Heath is completely unsuitable for large scale development. SG24 fails to meet the criteria of sustainable and well planned growth. This proposal would cause lasting harm to the village’s character, environment, and infrastructure while conflicting with both national and local planning policies.

I strongly urge the council to exclude SG24 from the South Warwickshire Local Plan and focus on more appropriate locations that can support future housing growth without placing undue strain on infrastructure/services and the environment.