Planning in Birmingham

Sports facilities

The provision and availability of facilities for people to take part in formal and informal activity, that contributes to healthier lifestyles and can provide a 'stepping stone' into more formal sport will be supported and promoted. The City Council will keep the provision of sports facilities within the City under review in the light of changing demands and preferences, and where deficiencies and oversupply are identified in an up-to-date assessment will aim to work with partners to address this. Sports and physical activity facilities will be protected from development, unless it can be demonstrated that they are surplus to requirements through a robust and up to date assessment of need. Where there is identified need for particular sports and physical recreation facilities, the loss of existing sports facilities for these sports will not be allowed unless an equivalent or better quantity and quality replacement provision is provided. Facilities within the City's educational establishments that can be used by the community provide a useful contribution towards the recreational and leisure requirements of the City and this will be encouraged. Facilities for participation sport which attract large numbers of visitors and incorporate elements of entertainment, retail or leisure uses which operate for many hours of the day should be located in highly accessible locations, preferably in or adjacent to town centres. It is important that community sport and leisure facilities should be located in easily accessible sites, with safe pedestrian and cycle access as well as being close to local public transport routes. Proposals for new facilities or the expansion and/or enhancement of existing facilities will be supported subject to compliance with other relevant planning policies. Appropriate and sympathetic sports lighting can enhance the use and sustainability of community sports provision to the benefit of the local community. However, any development involving sports lights should balance the benefits for sport with the amenity of local residents. Advice should be sought from Sport England when considering proposals for sports lighting. The use of planning conditions to control the use of sports lights may be applied where appropriate.

Education

The development and expansion of the City's Universities (Aston University, The University of Birmingham, The Birmingham City University, Newman University and University College Birmingham) and the City's Higher and Further Education Colleges will be supported. Links between the Universities and other research and development establishments will also be promoted. As the City's population grows there will also be a need for additional Primary, Secondary and Special Needs school and college provision. Proposals for the upgrading and expansion of existing schools and development of new schools in locations where additional provision is required will be supported subject to the criteria below. The City Council may use its Compulsory Purchase powers to facilitate the development of new schools where this is necessary. Proposals for new education facilities should: • Have safe access by cycle and walking as well as by car and incorporate a school travel plan. • Have safe drop-off and pick-up provision. • Provide outdoor facilities for sport and recreation. • Avoid conflict with adjoining uses.

Health

The City Council is committed to reducing health inequalities, increasing life expectancy and improving quality of life by: • Helping to tackle obesity and encourage physical activity through the provision of open space and playing fields (Policy TP9) and sports facilities (Policy TP11) accessible to all, creating and enhancing environments conducive to cycling and walking (Policy TP39 and TP40) such as the canal network, and supporting the network of local centres (Policy TP21). • Seeking to improve air quality and reduce noise within the City. • Providing good quality and well designed housing (Policy TP27 and TP30) and improving the existing housing stock (Policy TP35). • Promoting health care facilities especially within centres. • Promoting safe residential environments and addressing the fear of crime. • Improving road safety (Policy TP39 and Policy TP44). • Addressing climate change issues. • Making provision for open space and allotments (policy TP9). Proposals for the development of new and the improvement of existing health care infrastructure required to support Birmingham's growing population will be permitted provided they meet the requirements of other policies.

The Quarters

New development must support and strengthen the distinctive character of the areas surrounding the City Centre Core raising their overall quality, offer and accessibility. The City Centre is formed by seven Quarters with the Core at its heart. Within each Quarter varying degrees of change are proposed that relate to the overarching objectives of delivering ambitious growth whilst supporting the distinctive characteristics, communities and environmental assets of each area. The City Centre Core - Providing an exceptional visitor and retail experience with a diverse range of uses set within a high quality environment. Digbeth - Creating a thriving creative and cultural hub with a high quality, exciting and easily accessible environment. Eastside - Maximising its role as an area for learning and technology realising its extensive development opportunities and the integration of any proposals for HS2 station. Gun Quarter - Maintaining the area's important employment role and industrial activity complemented by a mix of uses around the canal and improved connections to neighbouring areas. The Jewellery Quarter - Creating an urban village supporting the area's unique heritage with the introduction of an appropriate mix of uses and radically improved connections to the City Centre Core. Southside and Highgate - Supporting the growth of the area's cultural, entertainment and residential activities and its economic role complemented by high quality public spaces and pedestrian routes. Westside and Ladywood - Creating a vibrant mixed use area combining the visitor, cultural, commercial and residential offer into a dynamic well connected area, which supports development in the Greater Icknield Growth Area.

Place making

All new development will be expected to demonstrate high design quality, contributing to a strong sense of place. New development should: • Reinforce or create a positive sense of place and local distinctiveness, with design that responds to site conditions and the local area context, including heritage assets and appropriate use of innovation in design. • Create safe environments that design out crime and make provision for people with disabilities through carefully considered site layouts, designing buildings and open spaces that promote positive social interaction and natural surveillance. • Provide attractive environments that encourage people to move around by cycling and walking. • Ensure that private external spaces, streets and public spaces are attractive, functional, inclusive and able to be managed for the long term. • Take opportunities to make sustainable design integral to development, such as green infrastructure, sustainable drainage and energy generating features. • Support the creation of sustainable neighbourhoods (Policy TP27). • Make best use of existing buildings and efficient use of land in support of the overall development strategy.

Longbridge

An AAP is in place for the area to secure comprehensive regeneration and guide future development over a 15-20 year period. The AAP has planned for the following levels of growth; 1450 new homes, one Regional Investment Site, 13,500 sq.m. gross of retail floorspace and 10,000 sq.m. office floorspace. A total of 28,626 sq.m. of retail floorspace has been committed to date, reflecting changing circumstances since the AAP was adopted. Proposals for further retail development will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated through a full retail impact assessment that there will be no significant adverse impact on investment in, and on the viability of centres in the catchment area.

Peddimore

Peddimore will deliver 71 ha of new employment land for B1 (b) Research and Development, B1 (c) Light Industrial, B2 General Industrial and B8 Warehousing and Distribution uses. Office development should remain ancillary to the main industrial use. 40 ha of the site should be safeguarded for B1 (c) or B2 uses. Future development will need to ensure: High quality design and landscaping: The development will be of the highest quality in a landscaped setting. A landscaped buffer area including reinstatement of historic hedgerows will reinforce the Green Belt boundary to the north and east. Development should not take place outside the developable area shown on the Policies Map, and building heights close to the northern and eastern edges of that area should be carefully controlled in order to limit their visual impact on the higher ground/ridge to the north and east which screen longer distance views of the development from the wider Green Belt. Access improvements: A network of integrated pedestrian and cycle routes will be required throughout the site which should be linked to the Langley Sustainable Urban Extension and the North Birmingham cycle network. Routes are required to be direct, connected, safe, attractive and comfortable. New bus connections such as Sprint/Rapid Transit services, will be required including direct links to Sutton Coldfield Town Centre, Birmingham City Centre and the major residential areas of Sutton Coldfield, East Birmingham and North Solihull. The development will benefit from a new junction with the A38 and new connections into the built up area along with upgrades to corridors connecting the site with Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham City Centre and the adjoining area. Strategic modelling has been undertaken so that impacts and appropriate mitigation, where necessary, can be identified and discussed with the Highways England (in relation to the Strategic Highway Network) and adjoining highway authorities. A travel plan will be prepared to reduce private motorised journeys as a means of travel to work and promote sustainable modes of travel. The implementation of an agreed plan, including Freight Management, will be a requirement on all development occupiers. Enhanced biodiversity and protecting heritage assets: Opportunities to enhance the biodiversity value of the site such as enhancements to Peddimore Brook and reinstatement of hedgerows will be required. The design of the development will be required to protect and enhance known archaeological features and the character and setting of heritage assets in the area. These include; the long distance views of Peddimore Hall and the scheduled ancient monument, Forge Farm and its setting, Wiggins Hill Farm and its setting, and the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal and its setting. Archaeological excavations will be required in advance of development, followed by analysis of the results and publication of reports. Development will need to consider impacts on soil resources during construction and operation, adhering to Defra's Code of Practice to protect soil.

Portfolio of employment land and premises

Provision will be made for a portfolio of 'readily available'* employment land consisting of the following hierarchy of sites. Within the portfolio there is a requirement for Regional Investment Sites (Policy TP18) in addition to a 5 year minimum reservoir of 96 ha which will be maintained throughout the plan period consisting of the following: Best Quality: A minimum reservoir of 60 ha of land. Good Quality: A minimum reservoir of 31 ha of land. Other Quality: A minimum reservoir of 5 ha of land. A range of business premises will also be provided to meet a variety of business needs. The portfolio of land will be managed and kept up to date through regular monitoring and the production of employment land reviews. * Readily available sites are defined as committed employment sites with no major problems of physical condition, no major infrastructure problems and which are being actively marketed.

Regional Investment Site

Regional Investment Sites (RIS) are intended to support the diversification and modernisation of the City's economy. Regional Investment Sites are large high quality sites attractive to national and international investors in the order of 25 to 50 ha that are: • Served or capable of being served by multi modal facilities and broadband IT infrastructure. • Possess good quality public transport links. • Located within or close to the areas of greatest need and • Accessible to effective education and training opportunities to ensure that the employment benefits are available to the local workforce. Two Regional Investment Sites are currently being developed at Longbridge and at East Aston. Development on these sites will be restricted to uses falling within Use Classes B1 and B2. Warehousing will only be permitted where it is ancillary to the main B1 or B2 use. Complementary facilities to the RIS such as leisure facilities, small-scale retail and conferencing facilities may be permitted but only at an appropriate scale and ancillary to the main B1/B2 use of the site. The potential for supporting facilities to be provided off site, through either new or existing facilities, will also be taken into account.

Core employment areas

Core Employment Areas will be retained in employment use and will be the focus of economic regeneration activities and additional development opportunities likely to come forward during the plan period. For this purpose, employment use is defined as B1b (Research and Development), B1c (Light Industrial), B2 (General Industrial) and B8 (Warehousing and Distribution) and other uses appropriate for industrial areas such as waste management, builders' merchants and machine/tool hire centres. Applications for uses outside these categories will not be supported unless an exceptional justification exists. Measures to improve the operational and functional efficiency and the quality and attractiveness of these areas to investment in new employment will be supported. In particular improvements to the transport infrastructure will be encouraged to improve access, reduce congestion and reduce conflict with adjacent residential areas where this exists. Wherever possible, the movement of freight and goods by rail will be encouraged. The Core Employment Areas are identified on the Policies Map.

Protection of employment land

Employment land and premises are a valuable resource to the Birmingham economy and will be protected where they contribute to the portfolio of employment land and are needed to meet the longer term employment land requirements set out in Policy TP17. Outside Regional Investment Sites and Core Employment Areas there may be occasions where employment land has become obsolete and can no longer make a contribution towards the portfolio of employment land. In such cases change of use proposals from employment land to other uses will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that either: • The site is considered a non-conforming use. or • The site is no longer attractive for employment development having been actively marketed, normally for a minimum of two years, at a price which accords with other property of a similar type in the area. Where it is argued that redevelopment for employment purposes would be commercially unviable, a viability assessment may also be required which should include investigations into the potential for public sector funding to overcome any site constraints.

Local employment

The City Council will seek to work closely with developers to identify and promote job training opportunities for local people, and encourage the use of the local supply chain to meet the needs of new developments. In order to ensure that the benefits of new development wherever possible are targeted at local people, developers will be encouraged to sign up to targets for the recruitment and training of local people during the construction phase of development, and where appropriate for the end use. Developers will also be encouraged to sign up to targets to use the local supply chain where appropriate.

Reducing the City's carbon footprint

The City Council is committed to a 60% reduction in total carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced in the City by 2027 from 1990 levels. Actions to help achieve this target will include: • Supporting the delivery of the principles of sustainable neighbourhoods in residential development (Policy TP27). • Requiring new developments to reduce CO2 emissions and water consumption (Policy TP3). • Promoting and supporting the use of low and zero carbon energy sources and technologies (Policy TP4). • Promoting the use of CHP schemes and district heating (Policy TP4). • Encouraging the use of waste as a resource (Policy TP13). • Promoting sustainable transport systems including cycling and walking (Policies TP38-TP41). • Supporting the development of new low carbon technologies (Policy TP5). • Supporting the expansion of trees and woodland for many purposes including carbon uptake (Policy TP7). • Encouraging developers to take account of the natural features of a site (e.g orientation and landscape features) to minimise energy use.

Sustainable construction

New development should be designed and constructed in ways to which will: • Maximise energy efficiency and the use of low carbon energy. • Conserve water and reduce flood risk. • Consider the type and source of the materials used. • Minimise waste and maximise recycling during construction and operation. • Be flexible and adaptable to future occupier needs. • Incorporate measures to enhance biodiversity value. From whatever date the Government prescribes for the introduction of residential zero carbon standards through the Building Regulations, all new non-residential built developments in excess of 1,000 sq. m. gross permitted floorspace or being developed on a site having an area of 0.5 ha or more should aim to meet BREEAM standard excellent (or any future national equivalent) unless it can be demonstrated that the cost of achieving this would make the proposed development unviable. Developers will be encouraged to find innovative solutions to achieve the objectives of this policy. Developers will need to demonstrate how their proposals accord with the provisions set out above and if not to provide a justification as to why they cannot be achieved. A post construction review certification process will be required for developments expected to meet the BREEAM excellent standard. Measures to adapt and enhance the sustainability of existing buildings and neighbourhoods, for example through the Birmingham Energy Savers Scheme, will also be encouraged providing there is no conflict with other policies such as the protection of heritage assets.

Low and zero carbon energy generation

New developments will be expected to incorporate the provision of low and zero carbon forms of energy generation or to connect into low and zero carbon energy generation networks where they exist, wherever practicable and unless it can be demonstrated that the cost of achieving this would make the proposed development unviable. In the case of residential developments of over 200 units and non-residential developments over 1,000 sq.m. first consideration should be given to the inclusion of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) generation or a network connection to an existing CHP facility. However, the use of other technologies - for example solar photovoltaics or thermal systems, wind turbines, biomass heating or ground source heating - will also be accepted where they will have the same or similar benefits, there is no adverse impact on amenity and, in the case of ground source heating, environmental risks can be adequately managed. Smaller developments should also connect to a District Heating Scheme where such schemes exist, unless it is demonstrated that such a connection is not practicable or viable. Encouragement will also be given to the development and implementation of new technologies which reduce energy consumption such as SMART Grid and promoting new homes to be SMART Grid ready.

Low carbon economy

The development of innovative energy technologies to reduce the use of fossil fuels and CO2 emissions and promotion of low carbon industries will be supported and encouraged. In particular the following initiatives will be supported: • Low carbon vehicle technologies such as electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and hybrid buses including the installation of refuelling and recharging stations. • The development of new technologies for the sustainable management of the City's waste such as anaerobic digestion and gasification processes. • Low carbon design and construction, including low carbon renovation of the housing stock and provision of low carbon construction service and trades. • Bioenergy initiatives such as woodfuels, (biomass) and biogas.

Green Belt

The revised Green Belt Boundary is shown on the Policies Map. There is a general presumption against inappropriate development within the Green Belt, and such development will not be permitted unless very special circumstances exist. Development proposals, including those involving previously developed land and buildings in the Green Belt, will be assessed in relation to the relevant national planning policy. The Green Belt in Birmingham includes a number of areas of countryside which extend into the City, often along river valleys. Such areas are particularly important because of the valuable links which they provide to the open countryside, their visual quality, and their accessibility. The following areas form part of the Green Belt, the detailed boundaries of which are shown on the Policies Map: • Hill Hook. • Moor Hall. • Sutton Park. • New Hall Valley. • Sandwell Valley/Tame Valley. • Castle Bromwich. • Cole Valley. • Westley Brook. • Woodgate Valley. • Bartley Reservoir. Measures to improve public access to these Green Belt areas and the wider Green Belt will be encouraged. Outdoor sport and recreational facilities will also be supported, provided that their provision preserves the openness of the Green Belt, and does not conflict with the purposes of including land within it.

Sustainable management of the City's waste

The City Council will seek to prevent the production of waste wherever possible, and where this is not feasible will seek to move and manage Birmingham's waste up the waste hierarchy. The key policy objectives of the City Council will be to minimise the amount of waste created, treat waste as a resource and encourage recycling, reuse and composting. The City Council will seek to ensure that the tonnage of waste treated and managed within Birmingham is equivalent to the tonnage of waste arising. There is currently a shortfall in the number of material recycling facilities within the City and more will need to be constructed during the plan period. The City Council will seek to reduce the proportion of the City's waste which is sent to landfill. This will require an increase in alternative disposal capacity. The type of facilities needed and site location criteria are outlined in Policies TP14 and TP15. In the case of development on any site of over 5 ha, the Council will require the preparation of a strategy for the prevention, minimisation and management of waste.

New and existing waste facilities

The expansion of existing or the development of new waste management facilities will be supported, providing that proposals satisfy the locational criteria set out in Policy TP15. Opportunities to improve the environmental performance of existing facilities will be explored. This approach will include: • Encouraging the development of Material Recycling Facilities (MRF's) that would increase the City's recycling capacity and efficiency. • Encouraging the management of food waste through existing and emerging waste management technologies and ensure that commercial and non-commercial biodegradable food wastes are treated as a resource. Schemes that promote technologies which will recover value from such wastes through techniques such as anaerobic digestion (AD) will be supported in appropriate locations in accordance with the criteria in Policy TP15. • Seeking to reduce the amount of commercial and industrial waste sent to landfill, and encouraging new schemes and emerging technologies that enable this. Proposals to expand existing waste management facilities at the Tyseley Energy Recovery Facility plant in order to accommodate more commercial waste will be supported in principle. Gasification and pyrolysis technologies, which can generate energy and heat for District Heating Schemes, will also be supported in appropriate locations. • Protecting existing facilities that contribute to waste management capacity, provided that they meet the criteria in Policy TP15 and do not have a negative impact on the environment and amenities. Proposals that lead to the loss of such waste management facilities, without adequate provision to replace lost waste handling capacity, will be refused. New developments which would compromise the continued operation of existing sites will also be refused. • Supporting recycling proposals for aggregate materials subject to the locational criteria in Policy TP15. On site recycling of construction and demolition waste will be expected wherever possible and proposals for additional 'urban quarries' which increase recycling and reduce the amount of construction and demolition waste sent to landfill will be supported.

Location of waste management facilities

The following locations are considered suitable for developments that involve the management, treatment and processing of waste: • The Tyseley Environmental Enterprise Area which has potential to accommodate new waste and sustainable energy technologies, including recycling, Combined Heat and Power and waste recovery. • Other industrial areas including the Core Employment Areas identified on the Policies Map. • Sites currently or previously in use as waste management facilities. • Appropriate sites adjacent to existing waste management facilities. Proposals for new or expanded waste management facilities, including in the locations listed above, will be considered against the following criteria: • The effect of the proposed waste facility upon the environment and neighbouring land uses. • The impact of traffic generated by the proposal and the availability of alternative transit modes, such as rail and waterways. • The need for pollution control measures appropriate to the type of waste to be processed or handled. • The impact of proposals on residential amenity. New waste facilities will not normally be approved adjacent to existing housing and proposals for anaerobic digestion will not be approved within 250m of existing housing. • The effect of proposals on aircraft safety. • The design of the proposal. Careful consideration should be given to the need to minimise environmental and visual impact. Wherever feasible, waste operations should be enclosed within buildings or sealed structures in order to minimise impacts on adjacent uses from noise, ordure, vermin and wildlife. Proposals advocating open air unenclosed storage of organic odour producing material will not be supported. Proposals will be supported where it is demonstrated that these criteria are satisfied.

Minerals

Prior to the commencement of development on any site of over 5 hectares, an investigation should be undertaken into the existence of mineral deposits on the site and any viably workable minerals should be extracted. Minerals infrastructure, including sites for concrete batching, the manufacture of coated materials, other concrete products and the handling, processing and distribution of substitute, recycled and secondary aggregate material, and any associated bulk transport facilities will be protected. Proposals that would lead to the loss of such facilities without adequate replacement will normally be refused.

Adapting to climate change

The City will need to adapt to the impacts of extreme weather and climate change. Measures to help manage the impacts will include: • Managing Flood Risk and promoting sustainable drainage systems (Policy TP6). • Promoting and enhancing a green infrastructure network in the City (Policy TP7). • Protecting the natural environment and promoting and enhancing biodiversity and ecosystems (Policy TP8). • Encouraging greater resilience to extreme weather conditions in the built environment and to transport, energy and other infrastructure. In order to minimise the impact of overheating, new development and residential schemes should also: • Demonstrate how the design of the development minimises overheating and reduces reliance on air conditioning systems. • Demonstrate how the development integrates green infrastructure as part of the design process to encourage urban greening. • Where feasible, viable and sustainable, provide an accessible green roof and/or walls to aid cooling, particularly in the city centre, add insulation, enhance biodiversity, plant urban trees and promote sustainable drainage. • Where applicable, maintain and enhance the blue network to reflect the benefits that canals and rivers bring to urban cooling. The Council will also encourage the retrofitting of these features in areas particularly susceptible to the risk of climate change.

Management of flood risk and water resources

Flood Risk Assessments Site specific Flood Risk Assessments will be required in accordance with the requirements of the relevant national planning policy and the guidance outlined in the Birmingham Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA). Sustainable Drainage Assessment and Operation and Maintenance Plan A Sustainable Drainage Assessment and Operation and Maintenance Plan will be required for all major developments, as defined in Article 2(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015. As part of their Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) and Sustainable Drainage Assessment developers should demonstrate that the disposal of surface water from the site will not exacerbate existing flooding and that exceedence flows will be managed. For all developments where a site-specific Flood Risk Assessment and/or Sustainable Drainage Assessment is required, surface water discharge rates shall be limited to the equivalent site-specific greenfield runoff rate for all return periods up to the 1 in 100 year plus climate change event, unless it can be demonstrated that the cost of achieving this would make the proposed development unviable. Sustainable Urban Drainage (SuDS) To minimise flood risk, improve water quality and enhance biodiversity and amenity all development proposals will be required to manage surface water through Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). Wherever possible the natural drainage of surface water from new developments into the ground will be preferred. Surface water runoff should be managed as close to its source as possible in line with the following drainage hierarchy: • Store rainwater for later use. • Discharge into the gound (infiltration). • Discharge to a surface water body. • Discharge to a surface water sewer, highway drain or other drainage system. • Discharge to a combined sewer. All SuDS must protect and enhance water quality by reducing the risk of diffuse pollution by means of treating at source and including multiple treatment trains where feasible. All SuDS schemes should be designed in accordance with the relevant national standards and there must be long-term operation maintenance arrangements in place for the lifetime of the development. Rivers and Streams Rivers and streams are liable to natural flooding and will be managed in ways which will ensure that this can take place in locations which will not place built development or sensitive uses at risk. The Sustainable Management of Urban Rivers and Floodplains SPD (SMURF) provides more detailed guidance. River corridors are also important elements of the City's green infrastructure network. The management of floodplains will also need to take into account the potential to increase benefits to wildlife. The following development principles will apply: • An easement should be provided between the development and watercourses where appropriate and feasible • Opportunities should be taken to benefit rivers by re-instating natural river channels. • Culverted watercourses should be opened up where feasible. • Existing open watercourses should not be culverted. Enhancements of Water Resources As well as providing water and drainage, the City's rivers, streams, canals, lakes and ponds are an important amenity and are also valuable as wildlife habitats. Opportunities to increase the wildlife, amenity and sporting value of natural water features and canals will also be encouraged, provided that there is no adverse impact upon water quality, flood risk or the quality of the natural environment. Proposals should demonstrate compliance with the Humber River Basin Management Plan exploring opportunities to help meet the Water Framework Directive's targets. Development will not be permitted where a proposal would have a negative impact on surface water (rivers, lakes and canals) or groundwater quantity or quality either directly through pollution of groundwater or by the mobilisation of contaminants already in the ground. Trees and Woodland Trees and woodland can provide significant benefits in terms of water management and flood alleviation and as part of SuDs in addition to their wider landscape, recreation, economic and ecological benefits. The provision of additional trees and woodland will therefore be encouraged.

Green infrastructure network

The City Council will seek to maintain and expand a green infrastructure network throughout Birmingham. The integrity of the green infrastructure network will be protected from development and where possible opportunities will be taken to extend and enhance the network and to improve links between areas of open space. Any development proposal that would sever or significantly reduce a green infrastructure link will not be permitted. New developments will be expected to address green infrastructure issues in an integrated way and to take advantage of new opportunities such as green and brown roofs. It is important that all new green infrastructure features and assets are designed to help the City adapt to a changing climate. The City Council will also seek to conserve and enhance Birmingham's woodland resource (collectively known as 'The Birmingham Forest'). Particular attention will be given to protecting the City's ancient woodlands as irreplaceable semi-natural habitats. All trees, groups, areas and woodlands will be consistently and systematically evaluated for protection and all new development schemes should allow for tree planting in both the private and public domains. The importance of street trees in promoting the character of place and strengthening existing landscape characteristics will be recognised.

Biodiversity and Geodiversity

The maintenance, enhancement and restoration of sites of national and local importance for biodiversity and geology will be promoted and supported. These include Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), National Nature Reserves (NNRs), Local Nature Reserves (LNRs), Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) and Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation (SLINCs). Development which directly or indirectly causes harm to sites of national importance (SSSIs and NNRs) will not be permitted. An exception will only be made where the benefits of the development, at that site, clearly outweigh the impact that it is likely to have on the features that make the site special and any broader impacts on the national network of SSSIs. Development which directly or indirectly causes harm to local sites of importance for biodiversity and geology (LNRs, SINCs and SLINCs), priority habitats and important geological features, species which are legally protected, in decline, are rare within Birmingham or which are identified as national or local priorities will only be permitted if it has been clearly demonstrated that: • The benefits of the proposal outweigh the need to safeguard the designated site, or important habitat, species or geological feature. • Damage is minimised and measures can be put in place to mitigate remaining impacts. • Where damage cannot be avoided or fully mitigated, appropriate compensation is secured. Development proposals which are likely to affect any designated site or important habitat, species or geological feature must be supported by adequate information to ensure that the likely impact of the proposal can be fully assessed. The integrity of wildlife corridors and 'stepping stones' connecting them will be protected from development which would harm their function. Priority habitats and priority species listed in Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 or in the local Biodiversity Action Plans will be maintained and opportunities to enhance and add to these natural assets will also be identified. The Biodiversity Action Plan for Birmingham and the Black Country and data from EcoRecord (the ecological database for Birmingham and the Black Country) will be used to inform the development of a strategic landscape-scale framework for the restoration and creation of priority habitats and recovery of priority species populations across Birmingham, including opportunities to create or restore linkages between important wildlife areas. All development should, where relevant, support the enhancement of Birmingham's natural environment, having regard to strategic objectives for the maintenance, restoration and creation of ecological and geological assets, such as those identified for the Birmingham and Black Country Nature Improvement Area. Biodiversity and geodiversity enhancement measures should be appropriate to the nature and scale of the development proposed. Development proposals should clearly identify how ongoing management of biodiversity and geodiversity enhancement measures will be secured.

Open space, playing fields and allotments

Planning permission will not normally be granted for development on open space except where: • It can be shown by an up to date assessment of need that the open space is surplus taking account of a minimum standard of 2 ha per 1,000 population and the accessibility and quality criteria listed below. • The lost site will be replaced by a similar piece of open space, at least as accessible and of similar quality and size. • Where an area of open space is underused, as it has inherent problems such as poor site surveillance, physical quality or layout, which cannot be realistically dealt with, then in this case proposals that would result in the loss of a small part of a larger area of open space will be considered if compensation measures would result in significant improvements to the quality and recreational value of the remaining area. • The development is for alternative sport or recreational provision, the benefits of which clearly outweigh the loss. Playing fields will be protected and will only be considered for development where they are either shown to be surplus for playing field use, taking account of the minimum standard of 1.2 ha per 1000 population, through a robust and up to date assessment and are not required to meet other open space deficiencies, or alternative provision is provided which is of equivalent quality, accessibility and size. Provision of public open space Public open space should aim to be provided throughout Birmingham in line with the following standards: • All residents should have access within 400m, (5 to 10 minutes walk) to an area of publically accessible open space which should have grass and trees and be at least 0.2 ha in size. Similarly, there should be children's play facilities within 400m of all residents. • Within 1km (15 to 20 minutes walk) of all residents there should be an area of publically accessible open space of at least 2 ha in size. This should have paths, seating, bins, trees and landscape features. It should be capable of accommodating differing and potentially conflicting recreational activities without problem e.g. space for football and for those who want to sit and relax. • Within 3km of all residents there should be access to a publically accessible park which has a wide range of facilities and features which may include water features, children's play facilities, cafés and formal landscaping. These spaces should be capable of holding local, or in some instances national events. These sites should be more than 2 ha in size and should also have good access for public transport and for walkers and cyclists. Some of these parks will have additional facilities and will be of a size which allows them to be used for major events and celebrations. It will be a priority to ensure that these parks have good access by public transport and adequate car parking. New developments, particularly residential, will place additional demand upon all types of open space and children's play areas.

Historic environment

The historic environment consists of archaeological remains, historic buildings, townscapes and landscapes, and includes locally significant assets and their settings in addition to designated and statutorily protected features. It will be valued, protected, enhanced and managed for its contribution to character, local distinctiveness and sustainability and the Council will seek to manage new development in ways which will make a positive contribution to its character. • Great weight will be given to the conservation of the City's heritage assets. Proposals for new development affecting a designated or non-designated heritage asset or its setting, including alterations and additions, will be determined in accordance with national policy. • Applications for development affecting the significance of a designated or non-designated heritage asset, including proposals for removal, alterations, extensions or change of use, or on sites that potentially include heritage assets of archaeological interest, will be required to provide sufficient information to demonstrate how the proposals would contribute to the asset's conservation whilst protecting or where appropriate enhancing its significance and setting. This information will include desk-based assessments, archaeological field evaluation and historic building recording as appropriate. • Where it grants consent for proposals involving the loss of all or part of the significance of a designated or non-designated heritage asset, the City Council will require archaeological excavation and/or historic building recording as appropriate, followed by analysis and publication of the results. • Initiatives and opportunities to mitigate the effects of climate change by seeking the reuse of historic buildings, and where appropriate, their modification to reduce carbon emissions and secure sustainable development - without harming the significance of the heritage asset or its setting - will be supported. • Opportunities for information gain through investigations as part of proposed development will be maximised and such information will be widely disseminated. • Innovative design which retains the significance of the heritage asset(s) and is integrated with the historic environment will be encouraged. Where a Conservation Area Character Appraisal or Management Plan has been prepared, it will be a material consideration in determining applications for development, and will be used to support and guide enhancement and due regard should be given to the policies it contains. The City Council will support development that conserves the significance of non-designated heritage assets including archaeological remains and locally listed buildings. The historic importance of canals is acknowledged, and important groups of canal buildings and features will be protected, especially where they are listed or in a Conservation Area. Where appropriate the enhancement of canals and their settings will be secured through development proposals.

Greater Icknield

An area of 324 ha bounded by City Road, Winson Green Road, Pitsford Street, Icknield Street and including part of the City Centre and City Hospital, is proposed to accommodate the delivery of 3,000 new homes. As part of the development local facilities and employment opportunities will be brought forward to support the delivery of a sustainable neighbourhood. The following key sites will support this future growth: • The Icknield Port Loop and the Tower Ball Room sites. As the largest development opportunity in the area their transformation will provide innovative family housing close to the City Centre along with a mix of commercial and community uses including a new swimming pool. • The City Hospital site. Following the relocation of the City Hospital to the new Midland Metropolitan Hospital in Sandwell the site will be redeveloped for a new mix of living and local shopping facilities, with some medical facilities retained. • The site at Spring Hill/Dudley Road. The future redevelopment will provide for a residential-led mixed use scheme west of the canal with employment uses focused on the east. • The Ledsam Street site offers potential to extend the successful Brindleyplace development out from the City Centre, along the canal, to Ladywood Middleway and to link with Icknield Port Loop. Opportunities exist for canal-side 'city style living', alongside hotel, leisure and other business uses. • The Chamberlain Gardens site will become a new family living area with extensive green space accommodating playing areas and sport activities surrounded by medium to high density city houses and family friendly flat accommodation. • Severn Trent Waterworks will be brought forward mainly for new residential development. The grade II listed engine house, boiler house and chimney will be retained and should be brought into use and sensitively integrated into the development. • A new secondary school will be provided adjacent to the existing Nelson Junior and Infant School to help meet the increasing demand arising from the anticipated population growth within the area. Opportunities for employment growth will be supported with a particular focus on the existing industrial areas at Western Road and Spring Hill as well as Dudley Road local centre.

Aston, Newtown and Lozells

An AAP is in place for the area to secure comprehensive regeneration and guide future development over a 15 year period. The AAP has planned for the following levels of growth; over 700 new homes, one Regional Investment Site, up to 10,000 sq.m. gross office space and up to 20,000 sq.m. gross comparison retail. The growth of Perry Barr will be supported in line with Policy TP21. In the case of the Birmingham City University teaching campus there is the potential, due to the relocation of the University, to accommodate growth including a range of local centre uses and housing. High quality design to assist with place-making and a more attractive public realm is essential given the site's prominent location. Any proposal brought forward for the site should contribute to improving pedestrian linkages, particularly to the One Stop Shopping Centre, Perry Barr rail station and the more traditional retail area to the south at Birchfield Roundabout. This replaces Policy ED1 of the adopted AAP.

Langley Sustainable Urban Extension

Land to the west of the A38 at Langley will be removed from the Green Belt to provide a sustainable urban extension of approximately 6,000 new homes. The Langley Sustainable Urban Extension will be an exemplar of sustainable development and a destination of choice for families wishing to live in Birmingham. The development will achieve the highest standards of sustainability and design, and provide a range of supporting facilities to help foster a strong sense of community. The creation of well-connected, integrated and sustainable transport links will be essential to making this a sustainable neighbourhood. Development will also protect and enhance existing heritage assets in the area and provide a network of connected green spaces. The new neighbourhood will provide for a mix of housing sizes, types and tenures, including affordable housing in line with the requirements in Policy TP31. There will, however, be a primary focus on the provision of family housing. As the primary focus of the Langley SUE will be for family housing, this will include areas of residential development at densities averaging around 35dph-40dph. The key design principles of the Langley SUE will be managed through the Masterplan and SPD process. Sustainability and design • Development layout, buildings and open spaces will be designed to the highest possible standards. The new neighbourhood will have a strong sense of place and distinctive character with building layout and design informed by the local topography, landscape and heritage assets complemented by appropriate use of innovation in design. It will be a safe place where carefully considered site layouts and well designed buildings and open spaces promote positive social interaction and natural surveillance and minimise the potential for crime and anti-social behaviour. Appropriate provision will be made for people with disabilities. Local people will play a meaningful role in shaping development and managing the new neighbourhood, contributing to a sense of community. • The development will need to achieve the highest standards of sustainability including the use of low carbon energy generating technologies such as Combined Heat and Power. • A range of supporting facilities will be included as part of the development including early years provision, new primary schools, a new secondary school, health care facilities and local shops and services. • Prior to development commencing an investigation should be undertaken into the existence of mineral deposits on the site and any viably workable minerals should be extracted. Connectivity • A network of integrated pedestrian and cycle routes will be required throughout the site which should be linked to the adjoining employment area at Peddimore, the North Birmingham Cycle network, Sutton Coldfield Town Centre, Birmingham City Centre and other local centres. Routes are required to be direct, connected, safe, attractive and comfortable. This includes the provision of further Public Rights of Way that can be planned to link with those that already exist within the area. • New and improved bus connections such as 'Sprint/Rapid Transit services will be needed to directly link the site with Sutton Coldfield Town Centre, Birmingham City Centre and other key employment destinations. The enhancement of rail services could significantly improve accessibility to North Birmingham, including longer term projects such as new commuter stations at Castle Vale, The Fort, Walmley and Sutton Coldfield. • The development will benefit from a new junction with the A38 and new connections into the built up area. Improvements will be required to increase the capacity of the local road network, which will be identified through a comprehensive Transport Assessment developed in a partnership between the developers and Birmingham City Council. Upgrades have already been identified to corridors connecting the site with Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham City Centre and the adjoining area. • Strategic modelling has been undertaken so that impacts and appropriate mitigation, where necessary, can be identified and discussed with the Highways England (in relation to the Strategic Road Network) and adjoining highway authorities. • An area wide community travel plan will be developed to promote the use of local amenities and encourage greater use of the cycle, bus and rail networks. The products can be spread beyond the site to benefit those who live in neighbouring areas, and reduce the amount that people use the private car. Strong targets will be required to achieve a modal split and travel demand comparable to the adjacent residential areas. Green space and ecology • Green space will be an important feature of the development to reflect the urban edge location and to provide multiple benefits for residents that include recreation, landscape and wildlife value, sustainable drainage, cycling and walking routes. • All residents should have access to publicly accessible open space, children's play areas, playing fields and allotments, in line with the requirements of policy TP9. • An appropriate buffer will be provided from designated sites/existing habitats, particularly semi-natural broadleaved woodland and watercourses. Additional habitats, including woodland, semi-improved grassland and hedgerows, should be created as part of the development to increase the biodiversity value of the area. These areas should link into the existing green infrastructure network across the city. • A substantial green corridor connecting New Hall Valley Country Park with the wider Green Belt beyond the A38 will be an integral part of the development. This green corridor will incorporate and enhance existing woodland, wetland and other landscape features and wildlife habitats. The corridor will be accessible to the public and include linkages with the North Birmingham Cycle initiative. • Further flood risk modelling is required for Langley Brook to the north west of the site. • Development will need to consider impacts on soil resources during construction and operation, adhering to Defra's Code of Practice to protect soil.

Bordesley Park

An AAP will be prepared for the Bordesley Park area. Future growth and development will be brought forward in line with the policies set out in the AAP. The AAP will plan for the following levels of growth; 750 new homes and up to 3000 new jobs. The AAP covers an area of around 580 ha to the immediate east of the City Centre, including parts of Washwood Heath, Bordesley Green, Bordesley Village and Small Heath. The development of the AAP provides the opportunity to work with the local community to build upon this area's assets and to establish: • A focus for growth including a wide range of employment opportunities for local people. • Attractive and thriving local centres. • High quality housing suitable for the needs of existing and new communities. • Infrastructure that meets the current and future needs of business and residents. • A connected place including enhanced public transport and a high quality pedestrian environment. • A clean, safe, attractive and sustainable environment in which to live and work. • Protection for and, where appropriate, enhancement of the varied sports facilities currently located in the area, including at Birmingham City Football Club and Birmingham Wheels Park.

Eastern Triangle

It is proposed that the Eastern Triangle will deliver regeneration and growth for around 1000 new homes. This will be across a number of locations and offering a range of housing types. The potential for the redevelopment of further unsuitable housing stock as well as the more efficient and effective use of existing land and buildings where practical and particularly at locations that are close to local centres, accessible by public transport and on or close to main transport corridors will be explored. In addition, a range of other growth proposals are identified to improve connectivity and transportation across the area including road improvement schemes and investment in public transport. Proposals also include the regeneration and improvement of key local centres and improvements to the wider local environment. At Stechford this will include: • The promotion of new residential development including the redevelopment of the former Bulls Head Allotments and potentially in the longer term the industrial/commercial area to the south of Stechford Bridge. • The growth and improvement of Stechford Local Centre to meet the retail, service and community needs of the local area. • Improved accessibility by all means of transport including enhanced pedestrian and cycle linkages and connectivity to Stechford rail station and the local centre. • A resolution to the transportation and congestion issues within the area including the junction of Station Road, Flaxley Road and Iron Lane and the bridge over the River Cole. • Environmental improvements, including enhancement of water quality, biodiversity and management of flood risk along with enhanced access to the River Cole Valley. • Potential to consider the future of other sites for housing or associated development including under-used allotments at Burney Lane and Francis Road. At the Meadway this will include: • Redevelopment of the former Meadway flats site which will deliver the reconfiguration and enhancement of the adjoining Kent's Moat Recreation Ground. • The development of the Meadway District Centre which could comprise either the redevelopment or remodelling of the existing Poolway Shopping Centre. • Improvements to Lea Hall rail station, including formalisation of vehicle parking, and improvements to interchange and the pedestrian and cycle links from the station to the centre and adjoining residential areas. • Support for a new rapid transit route connecting the area to the City Centre and the Airport/NEC. At Shard End this will include: • The removal from the Green Belt of part of the former Yardley Sewage Works site and development of up to 350 new homes. The development will be expected to provide: • High quality new housing environment that will ensure wider housing choice within the Shard End area in line with the principles in Policy TP27. This will include broader housing opportunities and associated community facilities. • Enhancement of the Cole Valley both on the site with improved access, amenity and landscaping and along the wider corridor - improving the offer of the Cole Valley in terms of leisure, recreation, education and nature conservation. • Enhancement of community facilities both on and off site, including scope for the use of planning obligations in connection with development proposals.

Selly Oak and South Edgbaston

The Selly Oak and South Edgbaston area will be promoted for major regeneration and investment and will include: An economic, research and health role, focused around: A new Economic Zone as the focus of investment in the Life Sciences sector. At the heart of the zone and key to its success will be a new 4 ha Life Sciences Campus on the northern end of the Birmingham Battery site. It will provide a purpose built campus in a high quality environment that will be of a size that will provide the critical mass needed for its success. The University of Birmingham where further educational and associated uses that maintain and enhance the University's facilities will be supported recognising the unique character of the campus and the important historic and architectural value of its Listed Buildings. The new Queen Elizabeth Hospital campus area will remain a major focus for medical facilities of regional and national importance. Proposals for new hospital facilities and improvements to existing hospitals and associated facilities will be supported. The strengthening of Selly Oak District Centre growth point with: New mixed use developments including retail, leisure, community, medical services and office uses. The centre has capacity for: up to 25,000 sq.m. (gross) of comparison retail floorspace. and up to 10,000 sq.m. of office floorspace. To address the need for regeneration of the centre all developments should contain a mix of uses, make a positive contribution to the diversity and vitality of the centre, and be well integrated with the centre and easily accessible by all modes. Delivery of over 700 new homes at: The former Selly Oak Hospital site which will be developed for housing to create an exemplar sustainable residential environment with associated open space, leisure and community uses. The development of smaller sites across the wider area for residential development in line with the overarching strategy for the area. Several large sites are available for development in and on the edge of the centre to support this growth: The southern end of the Birmingham Battery site will be suitable for a replacement supermarket, comparison retail, offices, leisure, other town centre uses and residential. The Triangle site will be suitable for small scale retail, offices, other town centre uses and residential. Battery Retail Park will be suitable for comparison retail, offices, leisure, other town centre uses and residential. The Dingle will be suitable for community, medical and small scale retail and other town centre uses. Future development across the area will need to be supported by and where necessary contribute toward infrastructure including: The completion of the Selly Oak New Road which will require the upgrading of Harborne Lane where it passes the Triangle site. A package of environmental enhancement, pedestrian, traffic management and public transport improvements along Bristol Road to support the regeneration of the centre. Improvements to access for public transport, pedestrians and cyclists including enhancements to University and Selly Oak rail stations. Improvements to the natural environment, including improvements to the Bourne Brook corridor to encourage habitat connectivity between Woodgate Valley and Cannon Hill Park, completion of key missing links in the City's Linear Open Space walkway network, and improvements to the canal network including assistance for the restoration of the Lapal Canal.

Sustainable neighbourhoods

New housing in Birmingham is expected to contribute to making sustainable places, whether it is a small infill site or the creation of a new residential neighbourhood. All new residential development will need to demonstrate that it is meeting the requirements of creating sustainable neighbourhoods. Sustainable neighbourhoods are characterised by: • A wide choice of housing sizes, types and tenures to ensure balanced communities catering for all incomes and ages. • Access to facilities such as shops, schools, leisure and work opportunities within easy reach. • Convenient options to travel by foot, bicycle and public transport (see Policies TP39-TP41) with reduced dependency on cars and options for remote working supported by fast digital access. • A strong sense of place with high design quality so that people identify with, and feel pride in, their neighbourhood. • Environmental sustainability and climate proofing through measures that save energy, water and non-renewable resources and the use of green and blue infrastructure. • Attractive, safe and multifunctional public spaces such as squares, parks and other green spaces for social activities, recreation and wildlife. • Effective long-term management of buildings, public spaces, waste facilities and other infrastructure, with opportunities for community stewardship where appropriate.

The location of new housing

New residential development should: • Be located outside flood zones 2 and 3a (unless effective mitigation measures can be demonstrated) and 3b.* • Be adequately serviced by existing or new infrastructure which should be in place before the new housing for which it is required. • Be accessible to jobs, shops and services by modes of transport other than the car. • Be capable of remediation in the event of any serious physical constraints, such as contamination or instability. • Be sympathetic to historic, cultural or natural assets. • Not conflict with any other specific policies in the BDP, in particular the policies for protecting Core Employment Areas, open space and the revised Green Belt. * As defined in the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment.

The housing trajectory

The housing requirement will be delivered in accordance with the following indicative average annual rates: • 1,650 dwellings per annum (2011/2012 - 2014/2015). • 2,500 dwellings per annum (2015/2016 - 2017/2018). • 2,850 dwellings per annum (2018/2019 - 2030/2031).

The type, size and density of new housing

Proposals for new housing should seek to deliver a range of dwellings to meet local needs and support the creation of mixed, balanced and sustainable neighbourhoods. Account will need to be taken of the: • Strategic Housing Market Assessment (or any subsequent revision). • Detailed Local Housing Market Assessments (where applicable). • Current and future demographic profiles. • Locality and ability of the site to accommodate a mix of housing. • Market signals and local housing market trends. New housing should be provided at a target density responding to the site, its context and the housing need with densities of at least: • 100 dwellings per ha within the City Centre. • 50 dwellings per ha in areas well served by public transport. • 40 dwellings per ha elsewhere. In assessing the suitability of new residential development full consideration will need to be given to the site and its context. There may be occasions when a lower density would be appropriate in order to preserve the character of the locality, for instance, within a conservation area or mature suburb, or where a proposal would make a significant contribution to the creation of mixed and balanced communities, for instance, through the provision of family housing in appropriate locations within the City Centre. Where the density falls below those specified above, the applicant will be expected to provide supporting information justifying the density proposed.

Affordable housing

The City Council will seek 35% affordable homes as a developer contribution on residential developments of 15 dwellings or more. The level of developer subsidy will be established taking account of the above percentage and the types and sizes of dwellings proposed. The City Council may seek to negotiate with the developer in order to revise the mix of affordable dwellings (for instance to secure additional larger dwellings) or to adjust the level of subsidy on individual dwellings (a higher subsidy may be required in high value areas). Where such negotiations impact on the number of affordable dwellings secured the level of developer subsidy should be unchanged. There will be a strong presumption in favour of the affordable homes being fully integrated within the proposed development. However the City Council may consider off site provision, for instance to enable other policy objectives to be met, subject to an equivalent level of developer contribution being provided. Off site provision could be either by way of the developer directly providing affordable dwellings on an alternative site, or by making a financial contribution which would enable provision either through new build on an alternative site, by bringing vacant affordable dwellings back into use or through the conversion of existing affordable dwellings to enable them to better meet priority needs. In addition to general needs housing, development proposals for housing of a specialist nature within the C3 use class, such as housing for the elderly including extra care, supported housing and age restricted housing, will be expected to deliver affordable housing in accordance with this policy in order to assist in meeting the affordable housing needs of all members of the community. In phased housing developments, developers will be expected to provide details of the affordable housing provision in each phase, including the number and type of affordable dwellings to be provided. Where the applicant considers that a development proposal cannot provide affordable housing in accordance with the percentages set out above, for example due to abnormal costs or changing economic conditions, the viability of the proposal will be assessed using a viability assessment tool as specified by the City Council. The use of a standard assessment tool will ensure that viability is assessed in a transparent and consistent way.

Housing regeneration

The regeneration and renewal of existing housing areas will continue to be promoted to ensure that high quality accommodation and environments are provided in line with the principles of sustainable neighbourhoods. The initial priorities will be: • The Lyndhurst Estate. • The Bromford Estate. • Newtown. • Druids Heath and Maypole. • Kings Norton Three Estates. • The Meadway. Replacement rates on cleared sites will be maximised subject to the provision of high quality accommodation within a high quality environment. In redeveloping cleared sites the focus will not only be on addressing housing needs but, where appropriate, will need to identify and provide opportunities to improve local employment, open space provision, playing fields, sports facilities and the quality of the local environment and community, health and education facilities.

Student accommodation

Proposals for purpose built student accommodation provided on campus will be supported in principle subject to satisfying design and amenity considerations. Proposals for off campus provision will be considered favourably where: • There is a demonstrated need for the development. • The proposed development is very well located in relation to the educational establishment that it is to serve and to the local facilities which will serve it, by means of walking, cycling and public transport. • The proposed development will not have an unacceptable impact on the local neighbourhood and residential amenity. • The scale, massing and architecture of the development is appropriate for the location. • The design and layout of the accommodation together with the associated facilities provided will create a safe, secure and welcoming living environment.

Provision for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople

The following sites are allocated to provide for accommodation for gypsies and travellers: • Hubert Street/Aston Brook Street East. • Rupert Street/Proctor Street. Other proposals for accommodation for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople will be permitted where: • The site is of sufficient size to accommodate pitches/plots of an appropriate size, and, in the case of Travelling Showpeople, to accommodate appropriate levels of storage space. • There is safe and convenient pedestrian and vehicular access to and from the public highway and adequate space for vehicle parking and manoeuvring within the site. • The site is accessible to shops, schools, health facilities and employment opportunities and is capable of being served by services such as mains water, sewerage and power and waste disposal. • There is no conflict with other relevant policies such as those relating to the protection of the Green Belt, other greenfield land and industrial land, and those concerned with development within areas at risk of flooding and on contaminated land.

The existing housing stock

Best use will be made of the existing dwelling stock and the City Council will seek to: • Develop and implement initiatives which will improve the condition of both the older private sector stock and the City Council's own dwellings. Many of these initiatives involve the City Council working with public and private sector partners. • Prevent the loss to other uses (through conversion or redevelopment) of housing which is in good condition, or could be restored to good condition at reasonable cost. Such loss of residential accommodation will only be permitted if there are good planning justifications or an identified social need for the proposed use. • Bring vacant residential properties back into use. Whilst vacancies are highest in the private sector, the City Council will seek, through implementation of its Empty Homes Strategy, to encourage the physical improvement and occupation of vacant homes of all tenures including where necessary the use of its compulsory purchase powers. The City Council will also encourage retrofitting of the existing dwelling stock to achieve the sustainability standards set out in other planning policies.

Developer contributions

Development will be expected to provide, or contribute towards the provision of: • Measures to directly mitigate its impact and make it acceptable in planning terms. • Physical, social and green infrastructure to meet the needs associated with the development.

Digital communications

Technology developments and access to digital services such as the internet are critical to Birmingham's economic, environmental and social development. Proposals for new commercial and residential developments should include appropriate infrastructure, wired and wireless, to provide high speed ubiquitous internet access. Provision of such connections should take into account: • The need for inclusive approaches to create open and competitive services that are accessible by all. • Efficiency such that enabling infrastructure (e.g. ducting) is installed alongside and concurrent with utility connections with suppliers and providers being encouraged to create open infrastructures and share assets such as chambers, ducting and data networks. • The need to provide for future flexibility to reflect increasing demands to provide connectivity and data traffic for a range of purposes. The City Council recognises that this is an area where technological change is rapid and therefore standards will evolve and developers should seek to adopt the best current open technology standards available. In the City Centre, the City Council will develop a Unified Street Services Network that provides a seamless connection for a range of digital technologies, linking together all the street activities such as street lighting and car parking. The City Council will continue to develop its Intelligent Transport System (ITS) for Birmingham that enhances real-time and interactive information for users to navigate and explore the City by all modes of transport through: • The efficient use of its existing road space and by tackling road traffic congestion, particularly along major strategic corridors during peak hours. • The City Council's ability to manage its highway network in response to major planned and unplanned incidents. • Working with Centro and operators to provide quality public transport information and easy ticketing.

City Centre - Growth and Wider Areas of Change

In order for the City Centre to maintain and develop its position as a top visitor destination and driver of the City's economy, significant new levels of growth will be accommodated. The City Centre has potential to accommodate in the region of 12,800 new homes, 700,000 sq.m. gross of office floorspace and 160,000 sq.m. gross of comparison retail floorspace. The following wider areas of change will be the focus of the proposed growth. Eastside - The ongoing regeneration of this area will enable the City Centre Core to expand eastwards and will require well designed mixed use developments including office, technology, residential, learning and leisure. Any proposals for a HS2 station will need to be integrated into the area creating a world class arrival experience with enhanced connectivity to surrounding areas including Digbeth and the City Centre Core. Southern Gateway - This area will be the focus for the expansion of the City Centre Core southwards through the comprehensive redevelopment of the wholesale markets site delivering a vibrant new destination for the City. Development will be supported that diversifies the City's offer as a retail and leisure destination including niche retail, improved markets, food and leisure space. Residential development will be supported as part of the future mix of uses with opportunities to stimulate the regeneration of the wider area. The redevelopment will require high quality public spaces and routes to be incorporated with a new public event space creating a centre piece for the area. Integral to creating a new destination will be the creation of exemplar development in terms of its architecture and sustainability credentials, the reinterpretation of the historic moat and manor house, the creation of a gateway to the Digbeth creative quarter and space for a new cultural facility. Development across the wider Southern Gateway will need to address the sustainable management of the River Rea Corridor associated with areas of flood risk and be supported by a range of infrastructure (including green infrastructure)and services, employment opportunities and public spaces and improve connections to Highgate. New Street Southside - Acting as the catalyst for the wider regeneration of the City Centre the redeveloped New Street Station, which opened in 2015, will transform the arrival experience and create new linkages. Selective redevelopment of areas around the station will be encouraged. Westside - Commercial led mixed use developments will be supported in this area including the redevelopment of the Paradise Circus and Arena Central sites. The redevelopment of the Paradise Circus site will require new public spaces, improved pedestrian connections including to the Jewellery Quarter, active frontages, restoration of key views and the enhancement to the setting of listed buildings. The extension of the metro line and other improvements to connectivity within the area will be supported. The redesign of Centenary Square will need to provide improved public transport accessibility and significantly enhanced pedestrian environment alongside a useable event space. The Snow Hill District - The eastern expansion of the central office core around Snow Hill station will be supported through key

Overall levels of growth

Over the Plan period significant levels of housing, employment, office and retail development will be planned for and provided along with supporting infrastucture and environmental enhancements. • 51,100 additional homes. • 2 Regional Investment Sites of 20 and 25 ha and a 71 ha employment site at Peddimore. • A minimum 5 year reservoir of 96 ha of land for employment use. • About 350,000 sq.m. gross of comparison retail floorspace by 2026. • A minimum of 745,000 sq.m. gross of office floorspace in the network of centres primarily focussed on the City Centre. • New waste facilities to increase recycling and disposal capacity and minimise the amount of waste sent directly to landfill. Birmingham's objectively assessed housing need for the period 2011 to 2031 is 89,000 additional homes, including about 33,800 affordable dwellings. It is not possible to deliver all of this additional housing within the City boundary. The City Council will continue to work actively with neighbouring Councils through the Duty to Co-operate to ensure that appropriate provision is made elsewhere within the Greater Birmingham Housing Market Area to meet the shortfall of 37,900 homes, including about 14,400 affordable dwellings, within the Plan period. Policy TP48 provides further details on this.

Birmingham as an international city

Birmingham will be promoted as an international city supporting development, investment and other initiatives that raise the City's profile and strengthen its position nationally and internationally.

Monitoring and promoting the achievement of growth targets

The City Council will monitor progress annually towards the achievement of the key targets for growth (housing, including affordable housing, employment, offices and retail) set out in policy PG1. In the event that the supply of land falls significantly behind that required to achieve these targets, the Council will undertake a full or partial review of the Plan in order to address the reasons for this. Key indicators which would trigger a review are: • A failure to provide a 5 year housing land supply in any monitoring year with the following 2 monitoring years indicating no recovery in the position. • Housing completions fall more than 10% beneath the targets in the housing trajectory over any rolling 3 year period. • A failure in any monitoring year to provide the minimum reservoir of best quality employment land with the following 2 monitoring years indicating no recovery in the position. • An inadequate supply of sites for offices to meet the targets set in the Plan. • An inadequate supply of retail sites to meet the targets set in the Plan. The Council will also play an active role in promoting, and monitor progress in, the provision and delivery of the 37,900 homes required elsewhere in the Greater Birmingham Housing Market Area to meet the shortfall in the city. This will focus on: • The progress of neighbouring Councils in undertaking Local Plan reviews to deliver housing growth to meet Birmingham's needs. • The progress of neighbouring Councils in delivering the housing targets set out in their plans. • The extent to which a 5 year housing land supply is maintained in neighbouring areas. If it becomes clear that progress is falling short of the level required, the Council will undertake a review of the reasons for this, and if this indicates that it is necessary to reassess the capacity for housing provision in Birmingham, a full or partial review of this Plan will be undertaken. Key indicators which would trigger this are: • Failure of a relevant Council to submit a replacement or revised Local Plan, providing an appropriate contribution towards Birmingham's housing needs, for examination within 3 years of the adoption of this Plan. • Failure of Councils within the Greater Birmingham Housing Market Area to maintain a 5 year housing land supply in any monitoring year with the following 2 monitoring years indicating no recovery in the position. • Housing completions within the Greater Birmingham Housing Market Area fall more than 10% beneath the planned targets in housing trajectories over any rolling 3 year period.

City Centre - Role and Function

The City Council will continue to promote the City Centre as the focus for retail, office, residential and leisure activity within the context of the wider aspiration to provide a high quality environment and visitor experience. New development should make a positive contribution to improving the vitality of the City Centre and should aim to improve the overall mix of uses. The City Centre Retail Core, as defined on the Policies Map, will continue to be focused around The Bullring, New Street, Corporation Street, The Mailbox and Grand Central and improvements to the quality of the environment and the shopping experience within this area will be promoted. Appropriate scale retail development will continue to be supported where it complements the existing Retail Core and as part of mixed-use redevelopments throughout the City Centre. Independent retailing will also be supported (see policy TP23). New leisure uses will be promoted within and on the edge of the City Centre Retail Core to support the diversification of the City's offer as a top visitor attraction. The role of the City Centre as a major hub for financial, professional and business services will continue to be supported. The primary focus for additional office development will be within and around the City Centre Core including the Snow Hill District and Westside. The area of Brindleyplace, around the proposed HS2 station in Eastside and along Broad Street and around Five Ways will provide further focus for these uses. Residential development will continue to be supported in the City Centre where it provides well-designed high quality living environments. Developments will need to provide flexible and adaptable accommodation meeting a range of needs including for families.

Sutton Coldfield Town Centre

The ongoing growth and diversification of uses within Sutton Coldfield Town Centre will be encouraged. In particular: • The delivery of mixed-use residential and retail and office developments will be supported including accommodation for the growth of: - Up to 30,000 sq.m. gross of comparison retail floorspace. - Up to 20,000 sq.m. gross of office floorspace. • Proposals to redevelop land within the town centre to create an improved retail and residential offer together with associated public realm improvements such as a new town square will be supported. In particular redevelopment of the primary shopping area will be encouraged. • Provision will be made for levels of convenience retail to meet the needs of the wider area in line with Policy TP22. • A bus interchange will be provided, to retain good bus penetration, improved pedestrian linkages to the rail station and selective junction and highway improvements. • A relief road is proposed to enable environmental improvements to the High Street Conservation Area. • Enhancements will be undertaken to the pedestrian environment and the existing retail offer along Birmingham Road between the southern junction with Holland Road and the Queen Street/Brassington Avenue roundabout, and associated minor junction and highway improvements along Lower Queen Street and Holland Road.

The network and hierarchy of centres

The vitality and viability of the centres within the network and hierarchy identified below will be maintained and enhanced. These centres will be the preferred locations for retail, office and leisure developments and for community facilities (e.g. health centres, education and social services and religious buildings). Residential development will also be supported in centres having regard to the provisions of policy TP24. Proposals which will make a positive contribution to the diversity and vitality of these centres will be encouraged, particularly where they can help bring vacant buildings back into positive use. Alongside new development, proposals will be encouraged that enhance the quality of the environment and improve access. The focus for significant growth will be the City Centre, Sutton Coldfield, Selly Oak, Perry Barr and Meadway but there is also potential for growth in several of the District centres, notably Erdington, Mere Green and Northfield. The scale of any future developments should be appropriate to the size and function of the centre. The comparison retail floorspace requirements as set out in the table include commitments and should be treated as specific to each centre. City Centre Sub-Regional Centre Sutton Coldfield District Growth Points Perry Barr Meadway Selly Oak District Centre Acocks Green Alum Rock Castle Vale Coventry Road Edgbaston Erdington Fox and Goose Harborne Kings Heath Longbridge Mapyole Mere Green New Oscott Northfield Sheldon Soho Road Stirchley Swan Level of comparison retail floorspace (sq.m. gross) Level of office floorspace (sq.m. gross) 160,000 30,000 20,000 15,000 25,000 700,000 20,000 10,000 5,000 10,000 2012-2026 2013-2031 Within District Centres, levels of comparison retail and office floor space growth should be appropriate to the size and function of the centre but should not normally exceed 5,000 sq.m. gross in either case. However, higher levels of office development will be supported in Edgbaston (Five Ways) District centre because of its close links to the City Centre. In the case of Longbridge the provision of additional comparison retail floorspace will be controlled in accordance with policy GA10.

Convenience retail provision

In principle, convenience retail proposals will be supported within centres included in the network of centres, subject to proposals being at an appropriate scale for the individual centre. Proposals should deliver quality public realm and create linkages and connections with the rest of the centre and improve accessibility. Proposals that are not within a centre will be considered against the tests identified in national planning policy and other relevant planning policies set at local level, in particular the policies for the protection of employment land.

Small shops and independent retailing

Proposals which promote and encourage independent and niche retailers across the City will be supported. Specifically the City Council will seek to ensure that: • There is a range of retail premises across the City including provision of smaller units. • Future developments within centres consider the need for a range of unit sizes to suit all potential needs. The BRNA Update (2013) has identified a particular deficiency in independent retailing in the City Centre. Proposals for new retail development within the City Centre should therefore include provision which will encourage the creation of new specialist and independent shopping destinations. Proposals for other forms of retailing such as markets that encourage smaller and independent retailers will be supported and encouraged. A number of other centres have developed specific niche roles (for example the Jewellery Quarter, Alum Rock Road and Soho Road) and this will continue to be supported.

Promotion of diversity of uses within centres

A diverse range of facilities and uses will be encouraged and supported in centres within the hierarchy, set out in Policy TP21, consistent with the scale and function of the centre, to meet people's day-to-day needs. This will include: • Leisure uses. • Offices. • Restaurants, takeaways, pubs and bars. • Community uses. • Cultural facilities. • Tourist-related uses (including hotels). • Residential on upper floors where it provides good quality, well designed living environments. As well as these uses it is also recognised that centres vary in terms of the mix of uses they contain and some have niche roles, for example the Balti Triangle in Sparkbrook. These niche roles will continue to be supported. Within this context it remains important to ensure that centres maintain their predominantly retail function and provide shops (Class A1 uses) to meet day to day needs. Primary Shopping Areas have been defined to help achieve this by protecting the retail function of centres. Within the Primary Shopping Areas: • 55% of all ground floor units in the Sub-Regional and District Centres (including District Growth Points) should be retained in retail (Class A1) use. • 50% of all ground floor units in the Local Centres should be retained in retail (Class A1) use. Applications for change of use out of A1 will normally be refused if approval would reduce the proportion of units in A1 use to below these thresholds, unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated. In addition, within the Centre boundary of the Sub Regional, District (including Growth Points) and Local Centres, no more than 10% of units within the centre or within any frontage shall consist of hot-food takeaways.

Tourism and cultural facilities

Proposals which reinforce and promote Birmingham's role as a centre for tourism, culture and events and as a key destination for business tourism will be supported. This will include supporting the City's existing tourist and cultural facilities and enabling new or expanded provision where it contributes to the City's continued success as a destination for visitors. This provision will not just be focused on major sporting, business tourism and visitor attractions but also on protecting and promoting the City's strong industrial heritage and the smaller scale venues and attractions that are an important part of creating a diverse offer. The provision of supporting facilities such as hotels will be important and proposals for well designed and accessible accommodation will be supported.

Connectivity

Measures to improve accessibility to and within the City Centre will be supported, including: • An enhanced high quality network of pedestrian/cycle routes, public open spaces and squares taking advantage of the canal network. • Improvements to and prioritisation of pedestrian and cycle accessibility. • Integration of public transport including the proposed HS2 station.

A sustainable transport network

The development of a sustainable, high quality, integrated transport system, where the most sustainable mode choices also offer the most convenient means of travel, will be supported. The delivery of a sustainable transport network will require: • Improved choice by developing and improving public transport, cycling and walking networks. • The facilitation of modes of transport that reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. • Improvements and development of road, rail and water freight routes to support the sustainable and efficient movement of goods. • Reduction in the negative impact of road traffic, for example, congestion and road accidents. • Working with partners to support and promote sustainable modes and low emission travel choices. • Ensuring that land use planning decisions support and promote sustainable travel. • Building, maintaining and managing the transport network in a way that reduces CO2, addresses air quality problems and minimises transport's impact on the environment. • In some circumstances, the re-allocation of existing roadspace to more sustainable transport modes.

Walking

The provision of safe and pleasant walking environments throughout Birmingham will be promoted. In particular this will include: • Building upon the success in improving pedestrian safety and continuation of the support for the priority of pedestrians at the top of the road user hierarchy ensuring that in centres and residential areas, the public realm environment reflects this priority. • Ensuring new development incorporates high quality pedestrian routes which will promote walking as an attractive, convenient, safe and pleasant option for travel including to and from bus stops, train stations and Metro stops. • Ensuring good design of pedestrian routes/areas reflecting desire lines and providing adequate way finding facilities where appropriate whilst ensuring that routes/areas are free from unnecessary clutter. • Providing pedestrian crossing facilities where appropriate and ensuring footway surfaces are well maintained.

Cycling

Cycling will be encouraged through a comprehensive city-wide programme of cycling infrastructure improvements (both routes and trip end facilities) supported by a programme of cycling promotion, accessible cycling opportunities, training and travel behavioural change initiatives. This will include: • Development of different route types e.g. improvements to major radial roads and other main roads including improved crossing facilities and creating new, quieter, parallel routes, using roads with lower speed limits and traffic flows, linking residential areas, green spaces, local centres and transport interchanges in order to encourage short trips and offer an alternative to busy A and B roads. • Further development and enhancement of an extensive off-road network of canal towpaths and green routes. • Incorporating cycling into the 'Interconnect' on-street wayfinding totems currently being rolled out across the City Centre, and using improved direction signing. • Improving cycle security with upgraded parking and trip end facilities within the City Centre, local centres and at railway stations. • Increasing access to bicycles with cycle loan and hire opportunities. • Providing enabling support to take up cycling through training and travel behaviour initiatives. • Ensuring that new development incorporates appropriately designed facilities which will promote cycling as an attractive, convenient and safe travel method.

Public transport

Bus and Coach The bus remains by far the most important mode of public transport in Birmingham. There continues to be a challenge in making bus travel attractive as a sustainable alternative to the private car. The City Council will continue to work with Centro and bus operators to improve the bus network by: • Supporting partnership measures to develop and improve the bus network including the City Centre Statutory Quality Bus Partnerships and Bus Network Reviews. • Ensuring that road space is managed efficiently to support public transport through initiatives such as bus priority measures and infrastructure. • Ensuring that adequate coach access is provided for as part of new developments where it is required. Rail Proposals to enhance the City's rail network will be supported, including: • Reopening the Camp Hill and Sutton Park railway lines to passenger services. • The delivery of the Camp Hill Chord scheme and the facilitation of services from the Camp Hill line and from Tamworth/Nuneaton to run into the new platforms at Moor Street station. • The provision of new stations at Kings Heath, Hazelwell and Moseley on the Camp Hill route, Castle Vale, Walmley, Sutton Coldfield Town Centre and Sutton Park on the Sutton Park route and at the Fort and Castle Vale on the Tamworth route. • Redevelopment of Snow Hill station and reinstatement of Platform 4. • The expansion of park and ride sites including Kings Norton, Four Oaks and Lea Hall. The Council will continue to protect land within the designated HS2 Safeguarding Area. The area covered by the most recently issued Safeguarding Direction, at the time of the adoption of this plan, is shown on the Policies Map. Further updated Safeguarding Directions, which would supersede the HS2 Safeguarding Area shown on the Policies Map, may be issued by the Secretary of State for Transport and will be available at: www.hs2.org.uk/developing-hs2/safeguarding Rapid Transit - Midland Metro and Bus Rapid Transit The development and extension of metro/bus rapid transit to facilitate improvement/enhancement in the public transport offer on key corridors and to facilitate access to development and employment will be supported. This will include cross-boundary routes, for example to the Black Country. In particular support for: • A new Metro station at All Saints. • An extension of the Midland Metro Tram network from New St to Centenary Square and Five Ways Edgbaston. • An extension of the Midland Metro Tram network to Eastside and the Curzon Street High Speed 2 station. • Additional SPRINT/Rapid Transit routes with cross city centre links on a number of key corridors including but not limited to: - Birmingham City Centre - Walsall. - Birmingham City Centre - Quinton. - Birmingham City Centre - Bartley Green. - Birmingham City Centre - Longbridge. - Birmingham City Centre - Airport (via East Birmingham). - Birmingham City Centre - Airport (via A45). - Birmingham City Centre - Maypole/Druids Heath. - Birmingham City Centre - Sutton Coldfield - Birmingham City Centre - Kingstanding. - Outer Circle/Route 11 Orbital.

Freight

A well integrated freight distribution system which makes the most efficient and effective use of road, rail, air and water transport will be sought. Locations to support freight logistics will be required to demonstrate that: • Developments which generate large volumes of freight traffic or involve the transport of bulk materials should make use of rail (or water if appropriate) for freight movements wherever practical. They should include as part of the development, or be located close to, inter-modal freight facilities, rail freight facilities or wharves. • Sites which are used or are suitable for inter-modal transfer facilities, rail freight facilities, including rail aggregate facilities and water-borne freight facilities will normally be protected for these uses. • The retention of rail freight connections to existing industrial sites will be encouraged and the development of new inter-modal transfer facilities, new rail sidings and rail freight facilities and new wharves will be supported. • Consideration will be given to providing long stay lorry parking in areas where there are significant logistical movements. Where road haulage is involved in the transport of large volumes of freight or the carrying of bulk materials, planning conditions and obligations will be used to define and agree suitable traffic routes and the need for other necessary environmental and traffic management controls. Where freight movements result in negative environmental impacts, the Council will consider the use of restrictions on the size and type of vehicles and access restrictions at certain times to address this.

Low emission vehicles

Proposals for Low Emission Vehicles will be supported by: • Ensuring that new developments include adequate provision for charging infrastructure e.g. electric vehicle charging points in car parks, measures to encourage LEV use through Travel plans and other such initiatives. • Where appropriate the City Council facilitating the introduction of charging points in public places. • Working with partners to explore how the use of other alternative low emission vehicle technologies can be supported e.g. hydrogen fuel cells across a range of modes e,g. private cars, buses and/or small passenger and fleet vehicles. • Keeping under review the need to accommodate other infrastructure for other forms of LEV e.g. Hydrogen refuelling.

Traffic and congestion management

The optimum use of existing highway infrastructure across all modes will be encouraged and priority investment in the highway network to support the city's sustainable transport network and development agenda will be promoted. The efficient, effective and safe use of the existing transport network will be promoted through the following: • Route Management Strategies on key routes which will aim to improve the routes for all users and improve network resilience. • Targeted investments, including the provision of new connections, which reduce the negative impacts of road traffic, for example congestion, air pollution and road accidents. • Managing travel demand through a range of measures including the availability and pricing of parking and ensuring effective and proportionate parking enforcement. • To improve road safety the introduction of 20mph speed limits across the network, except on parts of the Strategic Highway Network where higher speed limits are acceptable. • Urban Traffic Management and Control (UTMC) and Intelligent Transport Systems that provide an effective means of managing and providing information about the transport network in Birmingham and the West Midlands conurbation. • Targeted construction of new accesses to provide access to development/redevelopment sites. • Ensuring that the planning and location of new development supports the delivery of a sustainable transport network and development agenda. • The prevention or refusal of development on transport grounds where the residual cumulative impacts of development are severe. • A requirement for Transport Assessments/Statements and Travel Plans as necessary in line with the relevant national guidance. Highway Improvement Lines In order to deliver a number of the City's aspirational highway improvements the City Council will maintain a number of highway improvement lines. The purpose of a Highway Improvement Line (HIL) is to protect land required for highway and public transport schemes from other development(s). To avoid the unnecessary and costly sterilisation of land, HILs will only be maintained: a) On the SHN where improvement is proposed. b) When required for specific schemes not on the SHN but identified in a current programme. c) Exceptionally when it is appropriate for the proper planning of an area to introduce or maintain an HIL for a scheme even though it is not in a current programme. d) For the provision of appropriate public transport infrastructure and car parking facilities. Limited elements of the Strategic Highway Network will need upgrading to meet the requirements of the BDP and these are set out below. Elsewhere on the SHN only limited improvements are anticipated and will be delivered within available resources and other funding opportunities. HILs will continue to be reviewed to ensure they reflect the transport priorities of the BDP. It is the City Council's intention to progressively lift past HILs as and when detailed SHN proposals are adopted. The following 'Key HIL Schemes' will be protected for transport improvements. Development(s) that would prejudice the proposed highway improvement will not be permitted: 1. Ring Road Improvements. 2. Hagley Road - Lordswood Road to Five Ways. 3. Dudley Road - Spring Hill to City Road. 4. Bristol Road - Selly Oak (Phase 1b, Selly Oak Triangle improvements). 5. Highgate Road - Ring Road to Stratford Road. 6. Alcester Road South - Hawkhurst Road to Warstock Road. 7. Gravelly Hill - Aston Expressway to Kingsbury Road (in relation to Green Belt expansion). 8. Station Road/Iron Lane - Stechford. 9. Six Ways - Erdington. 10. Stockfield Road and Yardley Road to the Swan Roundabout. 11. Sutton Coldfield Relief Road to support the adopted Sutton Coldfield Regeneration Framework SPD. 12. Bordesley Green - (Rapid Transit Route development). 13. Battery Way/Spring Road. 14. Lichfield Road - Aston Hall Road - related to Regional Investment Zone.

Accessibility standards for new development

All major developments which are likely to generate, either solely or in combination with other related developments, more than 500 person-trips per day should aim to provide: • An appropriate level of public transport provision (in terms of frequency, journey time and ease) to main public transport interchanges at the most relevant times of day. • Associated public transport stop(s), with shelters and seating, within 80m of the main focal point(s) for the location - this condition may be relaxed if the location is within an established local shopping centre. In circumstances where this standard is not achievable, accessibility to bus services should be in line with Centro's accessibility standards. • Real Time Information (RTI) as appropriate (e.g. in a reception area, at the main outbound public transport shelters). • Good cycle access with a commensurate number of convenient cycle stands, with cycle shelters where stays are likely to be of longer duration. • Good pedestrian access, with seating where relevant. Proposals for residential development should demonstrate that they are accessible to a range of local services such as General Practioners (GPs), Primary and Secondary Schools, local shops and open space.