BASE HEADER

No

ID sylw: 106762

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Roger Squire

I accept that increased population leads to a housing need and that most people near proposed sites would object. However, sites selection seems to be based on high-level maps of access and public services, not any detailed knowledge of the sites.

Road safety (NPPF Paragraph 110)

The A3400 and Hockley Heath are part of a major access route carrying traffic from towns and villages around Redditch, Droitwich, Worcester, Evesham, Alcester and Studley to the main catchment area and access routes serving Birmingham and Solihull. The main route enters Hockley Heath via Spring Lane on the southern side of the Stratford canal. This is an old hump-shaped bridge which conceals views of traffic and the 30mph speed limit is often ignored. Vehicles travelling south along the A3400 travelling to the southwest have to turn right and give way to the vehicles travelling north, and traffic often backs up towards the top of the bridge. This prevents large commercial vehicles from travelling south and traffic grinds to a halt. There is a school accessed from the A3400 and during rush hour congestion stops the flow of traffic.

The B4101 also has issues approaching Hockley Heath. After crossing the bridge over the M40 it becomes narrow. This is challenging for large commercial and farm vehicles meeting oncoming traffic and dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly when the trees and bushes are overgrown. There are tight bends at near right angles with little view of oncoming traffic. The B4101 accesses the A3400 opposite the Memorial Hall and vehicles entering and exiting their car park cause issues. As SG24 is on both sides of the canal children cycling to school will be navigating the canal bridge and the B4101. This school is at capacity. Entry/exit from the Wharf car park adjoining the bridge also causes issues in busy times. Traffic at the junction between the A3400 and the Old Warwick Road is a problem as vehicles enter/exit the car park and access local shops. Traffic at the junction between the A3400 and Aylesbury Road backs up and there have been accidents. This is part of a cut-through to Earlswood and Redditch. When there are accidents on the M42 and M40 traffic is diverted along the A3400 and fed along Spring Lane.

Surface water drainage (NPPF Paragraph 170)

B4101 Spring Lane has surface water run off on all sides and particularly the wood's edge. The main A3400 is prone to flooding past the junction of Orchard Road and on to houses towards the M42 and Shirley. When it floods large commercial vehicles and SUV drivers send waves into neighbouring front gardens.

Other issues

There are no adequate provisions for schooling (NPPF Paragraph 20), it would change the village's character (Paragraph 5), it would be contrary to Solihull's local plan, the scale would be disproportionate (Paragraph 20), there are limited local amenities (Paragraph 98), and no sustainable employment opportunities (Paragraph 86).

If this proceeds I can envisage local residents banding together and seeking judicial review.