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ID sylw: 106424

Derbyniwyd: 26/02/2025

Ymatebydd: Stephen Dingley

Consultation on the South Warwickshire Local Plan

My opposition

I have other concerns about the proposals which I feel negatively affect the village and those are also list below. I have lived on Spring Lane for over 30 years so am well informed on local conditions pertinent to the proposal. My Wife Jacqueline Dingley has separately documented her opposition and concerns with which I totally agree.

Lack of Secondary School Provision

Hockley Heath has NO secondary school and relies on schools such as Tudor Grange/Arden and Henley to meet the current demand. In last year's admissions there were many problems with children missing out on their catchment school and travelling as far as Balsall Common School to get a place. Any additional developments in Hockley Heath will only exacerbate this challenging situation. Also, most children attend Solihull schools so why should Solihull provide the educational requirements of South Warwickshire children.

Character of the Village

Hockley Heath is a small village with a few shops/takeaways and a two pubs. When walking around the village you often bump into other residents that you know and have a good chat, most people say hello even if you don't know them. Everyone looks out for each other. This is shown very well with 'Spotted Hockley Heath' on Facebook where residents can share appropriate stories or look for help which adds to the positive atmosphere which can only be achieved in a village environment.

Over the 30 years or so that I have lived here there have been several successful small housing developments that were appropriate to the scale of the village and have not affected the character of the village at all.

It is a friendly small village, and the proposed development threatens to completely change this character.

Contradiction with SMBC's Local Plan. My understanding of SMBC's thoughts on housing developments in Hockley Heath are based on a very detailed piece of research which came together as the Hockley Heath Local Plan. This plan recognises that it is important that the village maintains its identity and SMBC feel that there is only scope for limited new development considering many of the areas highlighted in my opposition document. Your large-scale development proposal, which appears to be not properly thought through, completely undermines SMBC's approach which has been informed by local needs.

If these plans go ahead, I assume that Solihull Council will have to provide many of the infrastructure services such as transport, health, education etc which is not right. If you plan to locate your housing needs in/near Hockley heath you should provide the appropriate infrastructure to support it. I assume you will be receiving council tax from these new developments. Where will this money go? I assume you will not pass it to Solihull MBC to fund appropriate infrastructure. I expect Solihull MBC will include this in their opposition to your plan.

Biodiversity and Environmental Impact

One of the most positive things about living in Hockley Heath is the access to the immediate countryside. There is currently no need to drive to a suitable walking location, it can be done with a short walk. During any proposed large scale development walking locally will be blighted by building works and build works traffic. Post any large- scale development the simplicity of enjoying the local countryside will be lost.

Lack of Economic Justification

There are very limited opportunities for current residents to gain employment in Hockley Heath as there are not many employers based in the village so many residents commute to other areas for work. The proposed large-scale development would simply add additional commuting traffic. So, in summary, this large-scale development will not bring new jobs to the village.