BASE HEADER

No

ID sylw: 106104

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Katie Trethewey

I write with dismay and concern regarding the proposals for 5000 additional homes to be built in Hockley Heath, area SG24.

My main concern is with drainage. I have been homeowner of the above address for only 18 months, but in that short time have seen the main Stratford Road (A3400) in Hockley Heath, along with our service road, flood at least 4 times in heavy rain. This has caused the drainage system to overload, backflow, and we have subsequently had raw sewage flood into our patio and garden each time. This is under review by Severn Trent, but no solution has yet been reached. I am aware that other neighbours have also had this issue. This is a clearly unacceptable health risk, which will only be made worse if more homes are constructed in the area, putting pressure on an already overloaded sewerage/drainage system that cannot cope. Even without the sewage issue, the frequent flooding itself is bad enough. Our house, and several of our neighbours' houses, have had to have flood protection measures installed as part of a scheme funded by Solihull MBC. The frequency of extreme weather events will increase with climate change - we have already seen that - and this will also impact on the issue.

I am additionally concerned about the impact on local services. There is not the infrastructure in place in terms of things like health, education, and transport, to sustain this size of development. Traffic congestion on the A34 will also become worse, which is already a problem, particularly during rush hours or when there are problems on the M40/M42.

Given that Solihull MBC have opposed the development and have stated on their Local Plan that only small-scale development is appropriate for Hockley Heath, and given that they will bear the burden of the new population in terms of schools, transport, health, and other services, it is grossly unfair and inappropriate for South Warwickshire Council to proceed with these plans, and it will surely lead to funding disputes in the future.