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ID sylw: 106357

Derbyniwyd: 05/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Paul Donnelly

As a resident of Hockley Heath where I have lived with my wife for 37 years, I would take this opportunity to register my comments concerning the preferred development options published. Specifically concerning how the enormous increase which would nearly quadruple the number of houses in Hockley Heath. This would inevitably have a detrimental impact for multiple reasons upon Hockley Heath and surrounding areas and habitats.
I oppose the development proposals for Hockley Heath Areas SG24 for the following reasons:
• All of the earmarked land is on the Green Belt which should only be built on in exceptional circumstances.
• The proposed development is completely at odds with Solihull MBC’s local plan which states that only small-scale development is appropriate for the village of Hockley Heath.
• The impact of this development given its size would seemingly have a dramatic increase in responsibility for Solihull MBC but none for South Warks. Totally unclear as to where the funding will come from to pay for providing health, education and many other services.
• The village does not have the infrastructure in terms of education, health and transport to sustain a development of this size. There are already existing issues with flooding of the A3400 during heavy rain. NPPF Paragraph 170 requires developments to avoid areas at high risk of flooding.
• Lack of Secondary School Provision – NPPF Paragraph 20 emphasises the need for adequate education infrastructure to support development. No existing capacity exists notwithstanding adding 2,000 households
• Poor Public Transport Links – NPPF Paragraph 109 encourages development in areas with sustainable transport links. Hockley Heath is not close to a train station and has limited public transport increasing reliance on private cars and also contravening the aim to promote sustainable transport.
• Traffic Congestion and Road Safety – NPPF Paragraph 110 states that developments should ensure safe and suitable access for all users. A development of this size will significantly increase traffic on the A3400 and surrounding roads. With the number of households in the village nearly quadrupling this will inevitably increase congestion and safety issues for all road users.
• Lack of Economic Justification – NPPF Paragraph 86 supports development that contributes to local economic growth. Hockley Heath is not a major employment centre, and likely therefore that most new residents would need to commute. This would add strain to transport infrastructure and work against sustainable development goals.
• Limited Local Amenities – NPPF Paragraph 98 stresses the importance of ensuring communities have access to facilities to promote health and well-being. There exists only a limited number of shops, and, therefore significant increases in facilities would be required to meet the need of an additional 2,000 households.