Planning in Solihull

Health and Well Being

The potential for achieving positive health outcomes will be taken into account when considering all development proposals. Where any adverse health impacts are identified, the development will be expected to demonstrate how these will be addressed or mitigated. The Council will expect new development proposals to promote, support and enhance physical and mental health and well being. Support will be given to proposals which: i. Provide opportunities for formal and informal physical activity, exercise opportunities, recreation and play; ii. Contribute to a high quality, attractive and safe public realm in accordance with Policy P15 Securing Design Quality, to encourage social interaction and facilitate movement on foot and by cycle; iii. Contribute to the development of a high quality, safe and convenient walking and cycling network; iv. Improve the quality and quantity of the green infrastructure network in the Borough, particularly in the North Solihull Regeneration Area and in areas where green infrastructure is identified as lacking. The protection and enhancement of physical access, including public rights of way to open space and green infrastructure will also be supported; v. Deliver new and improved health services and facilities in areas where they can be accessed by sustainable transport modes. Facilities for primary medical care should be identified and planned for; vi. Increase access to healthy food by sustainable transport modes and provide opportunities for growing local produce. The Council will resist the loss of areas which currently enable local produce to be grown; vii. Provide additional homes which are designed to meet the needs of older people and those with disabilities, and housing which enables older people to downsize from larger homes; and viii. Improve the energy efficiency of housing. New residential development will be expected to be built to the Lifetime Homes standard in accordance with Policy P15 Securing Design Quality, to ensure that homes are adaptable and enable people to live independently for longer. All developments should maximise internal insulation and opportunities for solar gain and wherever possible, developments should also seek to incorporate private amenity space. Development proposals should incorporate planting, trees, open spaces and soft surfaces wherever possible in order

Securing Design Quality

All development proposals will be expected to achieve good quality, inclusive and sustainable design, which meets the following key principles: i. Conserves and enhances local character, distinctiveness and streetscape quality and ensures that the scale, massing, density, layout, materials and landscape of the development respect the surrounding natural, built and historic environment; ii. Ensures that new development achieves the highest possible standard of environmental performance through sustainable design and construction and the location and layout of the development in accordance with the guidance provided in Policy P9 – Climate Change; iii. Secures the sustainable long-term use of new development through flexible, robust and future-proofed design e.g. high-speed digital connectivity; iv. Makes appropriate space for water within the development, using sustainable drainage (SuDS) principles, to minimise and adapt to the risk of flooding. Further guidance is provided in Policy P11 – Water Management; v. Conserves and enhances biodiversity, landscape quality and considers the impact on and opportunities for green infrastructure at the earliest opportunity in the design process. Further guidance is provided in Policy P10 – Natural Environment; vi. Integrates the natural environment within the development through the provision of gardens, quality open space and/or improved access to, enhancement or extension of the green infrastructure network. Further guidance is provided in Policy P20 – Provision for Open Space, Children's Play, Sport, Recreation and Leisure; vii. Creates attractive, safe, active, legible and uncluttered streets and public spaces which are accessible, easily maintained and encourage walking and cycling and reduce crime and the fear of crime. Development proposals will also be expected to contribute to or create a sense of place. Such measures may include; reflecting heritage assets and their setting in the design process, integrating landscape into the development, promoting diversity through a mix of uses within the site, or the incorporation of public art. All residential development proposals should be built to the Lifetime Homes standard and demonstrate how they meet Building for Life 12, or its equivalent. However, the Council will take into account the economics of provision, including particular costs that may threaten the viability of the site. All residential development will be expected to adhere to the guidance set out in the New Housing in Context Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) until this has been updated and the Council will prepare Supplementary Planning Documents to provide necessary additional guidance. Applicants should adhere to the urban design principles set out in established current design guidance, including at present; Urban Design Compendium 1 and 2 (2007), By Design (2000 and 2001), Manual for Streets 1 (2007) and 2 (2010), Car Parking: What Works Where (2006), Building for Life and Secured by Design principles, or their equivalents. Development at key economic assets within the M42 Economic Gateway; the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham Airport, Birmingham Business Park and Blythe Valley Park, will be expected to be of the highest quality to reflect their strategic importance. Applicants are encouraged to engage with Officers early in the design process through pre-application discussions and will be required to demonstrate that they have followed the robust Assessment-Involvement-Evaluation-Design process outlined in the national guidance on Design and Access Statements. Major development proposals are required to demonstrate how the local community has been consulted and engaged in the design process. Significant development proposals will also be encouraged to engage with the national and regional Design Review process.

Amenity

The Council will seek to protect and enhance the amenity of existing and potential occupiers of houses, businesses and other uses in considering proposals for new development, and will: i. Permit development only if it respects the amenity of existing and proposed occupiers and would be a good neighbour; ii. Consider the visual and other amenities of potential occupiers and users of new developments close to overhead power lines and substations. Developers will be expected to locate and design new developments so as to minimise the visual and other amenity impacts; iii. Support the development of electronic communications networks including telecommunications and high speed broadband. The Council will have regard to the needs of telecommunications operators, any technical constraints on location of telecommunications apparatus, the potential for sharing sites, the impact of development on its surroundings, the sensitivity of the environment and the design and external appearance of telecommunications apparatus. Development in or adjacent to sensitive locations will be permitted only if there is no other technically suitable location that both meets operational requirements and causes less environmental harm and any mast is at a distance of at least twice its height from the nearest residential properties; iv. Safeguard important trees, hedgerows and woodlands, encourage new and replacement tree and hedgerow planting and identify areas that may be suitable for the creation of new woodlands. Priority will be given to locations that enhance or restore the green infrastructure network and to the planting of species characteristic of the Arden Warwickshire landscape; v. Encourage better air quality in and around the Borough through the adoption of low emission zone initiatives such as those involving the use of electric vehicles for freight and public transport. Development that would contribute to air pollution, either directly or indirectly will be permitted only if it would not hinder or significantly harm the achievement of air quality objectives or any relevant Air Quality Management Plan, and it incorporates appropriate attenuation, mitigation or compensatory measures; vi. Require proposals for development on land known or suspected to be contaminated to include appropriate information to enable the potential implications to be assessed and to incorporate any necessary remediation; vii. Seek to minimise the adverse impact of noise. Development likely to create significant noise will be permitted only if it is located away from noise sensitive uses or it incorporates measures to ensure adequate protection against noise. Noise sensitive development will be permitted only if it is located away from existing sources of significant noise, or if no suitable alternatives exist, the development incorporates measures to reduce noise intrusion to an acceptable level; viii. Protect the amenity of residential and shopping areas, community facilities and open space from bad neighbour uses. Development that would be significantly harmful because of smell, noise or atmospheric pollution will not be permitted, whilst development that would be potentially harmful to such areas will be expected to incorporate appropriate attenuation, mitigation or compensatory measures. In locations close to existing bad neighbour uses, the Council will not permit new residential or other sensitive development, unless the effects can be satisfactorily mitigated as part of the development; ix. Protect those parts of the countryside in the Borough that retain a dark sky from the impacts of light pollution. Development involving external lighting outside established settlements will be permitted only where significant lighting already exists, or the benefits of the development clearly outweigh the impact of the lighting on the countryside. Any lighting scheme should be the minimum required for the purposes of the development and should avoid light spillage and harmful effects on biodiversity; and x. Protect the tranquil and locally distinctive areas in the Borough by guiding new development, particularly those that will create significant noise, either directly or through associated transport, to locations that will avoid or minimise adverse impacts.

Design

Development must be designed to high standards that are appropriate to the local context, character and setting. Development proposals will be expected to incorporate: a. appropriate scale, density, massing, materials and architectural features in relation to the setting, having regard to the Local Character and Design Guide; b. impacts on the streetscene and visual appearance of the locality, including views into and out of the site; c. appropriate siting of buildings, landscaping and open spaces to ensure new development relates well to its surroundings and contributes positively to the public realm; d. impacts on the natural environment including visual impact on trees, hedgerows and landscape; e. impacts on flood risk and sustainable drainage, with sustainable drainage solutions where appropriate; f. environmental performance appropriate to the context, which may be evidenced by an appropriate national standard such as the Code for Sustainable Homes, BREEAM or Building for Life and Secured by Design principles, or their equivalents; g. safe and attractive streets and public spaces which reduce crime and the fear of crime. Development at key economic assets within the M42 Economic Gateway; the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham Airport, Birmingham Business Park and Blythe Valley Park, will be expected to be of the highest quality to reflect their strategic importance.

Support Economic Success

Solihull's key economic assets and growth drivers are located near the M42 in the area between junctions 4 to 6 that forms the M42 Economic Gateway. This area supports more than 100,000 jobs and has strong potential for further sustainable growth that can create employment and contribute to regeneration. a) National Exhibition Centre and Birmingham Airport The Council will support the continued development of the NEC and Birmingham Airport within their boundaries as defined in this Local Plan to enable them to meet their future aspirations. National Exhibition Centre (NEC) The NEC is a key economic driver of the local and regional economy and, located adjacent Birmingham Airport, is at the Region's international gateway. The role of the NEC is as a major exhibitions, events, tourism and leisure venue, serving business and leisure markets. The NEC aims to encourage visitors to stay longer on site through enhanced attractions, provide a stronger sense of arrival, strengthen its brand and be attractive to all ages and cultures. To enable the NEC to meet its future aspirations and to drive economic and employment growth, the Council will enable a broad range of developments to enhance visitor offer, diversify facilities and increase international competitiveness. Development the Council will support and encourage will include that needed for operational purposes such as new or refurbished exhibition halls, transport facilities and other development needed to enable the NEC to enhance its international competitiveness. The Council will also support a broad range of ancillary and complementary facilities needed to enhance visitor experience and support operational needs. These will include hotels, administrative offices, warehouses, catering, meeting space, appropriate leisure and other supporting development, provided it is justified in terms of scale, its support for the NEC as a whole and is appropriately located within the NEC. Birmingham Airport Birmingham Airport is the principal international gateway into the region and an important part of the national airports infrastructure. It is vitally important in the local and regional economy, attracting investment and supporting business growth and international trade in key sectors. The Council will support and encourage further development including the extension to the main runway south of the A45, in accordance with the approved planning application, and development needed for operational purposes such as passenger and freight facilities, terminals, transport facilities and other development that supports operational needs. The Council will also support a broad range of ancillary and complementary facilities including hotels, administrative offices car parks and other appropriate facilities needed to serve the needs of air travellers using the Airport. Proposals should be justified in terms of scale and in terms of supporting the Airport function and be appropriately located within the Airport so as not to detract from Airport function. b) Birmingham Business Park The Council will support and encourage the development of Birmingham Business Park within its boundary defined in this Local Plan to support its role as a prime employment location and enhance its important role as a high quality, managed business park. Development that will be supported and encouraged at Birmingham Business Park is as follows: Business development for uses falling in the Business Use Classes (B1, B2 and B8 of the Use Classes Order). The Council will expect development to progress in a well planned way that will maintain the attractiveness of the business park to investors and that will protect and enhance the environment including the natural environment. The Council will support a broad range of supporting ancillary or complementary uses needed to enhance the attraction of the business park to occupiers. These could include hotels, health and fitness, leisure, childcare facilities and local facilities falling within use classes A1 to A5 (of the Use Classes Order) of a scale that does not compete with existing or planned facilities outside of Birmingham Business Park. The Council will support the expansion of Birmingham Business Park.

Provision of Land for General Business and Premises

Provision of Land for General Business and Premises

Key Economic Assets

a) Birmingham Airport The Council will support and encourage the development of Birmingham Airport within its boundary defined in this Local Plan to support its role as an international gateway. This will include a broad range of operational development needed to maintain or enhance the function of Birmingham Airport. The Council will also support ancillary and complementary development including terminal buildings, administrative offices car parks and other appropriate facilities needed to serve the needs of air travellers using the Airport. Proposals should be justified in terms of scale and in terms of supporting the Airport function and be appropriately located within the Airport so as not to detract from Airport function. b) Birmingham Business Park The Council will support and encourage the development of Birmingham Business Park within its boundary defined in this Local Plan to support its role as a prime employment location and enhance its important role as a high quality, managed business park. Development that will be supported and encouraged at Birmingham Business Park is as follows: Business development for uses falling in the Business Use Classes (B1, B2 and B8 of the Use Classes Order). The Council will expect development to progress in a well planned way that will maintain the attractiveness of the business park to investors and that will protect and enhance the environment including the natural environment. The Council will support a broad range of supporting ancillary or complementary uses needed to enhance the attraction of the business park to occupiers. These could include hotels, health and fitness, leisure, childcare facilities and local facilities falling within use classes A1 to A5 (of the Use Classes Order) of a scale that does not compete with existing or planned facilities outside of Birmingham Business Park. The Council will support the expansion of Birmingham Business Park to the south-west as indicated on the Proposals Map. The Council will expect the land to be developed as an integrated part of the business park and in a way which facilitates access by public transport. c) Blythe Valley Business Park The Council will support and encourage the development of Blythe Valley Business Park within its boundary defined in this Local Plan to support its role as a prime employment location and enhance its important role as a high quality, managed business park. Development that will be supported and encouraged is as follows: Business development for uses falling in the Business Use Classes (B1, B2 and B8 of the Use Classes Order). The Council will expect development to progress in a well planned way that will maintain the attractiveness of the Business Park to investors and that will protect and enhance the environment including the natural environment. The Council will also support a broad range of supporting ancillary or complementary uses needed to enhance the attraction of the business park to occupiers. These could include hotels, health and fitness, leisure, childcare facilities and local facilities falling within use classes A1 to A5 (of the Use Classes Order) of a scale that does not compete with existing or planned facilities outside the business park. At Blythe Valley Business Park the Council will support and encourage the delivery of a major quantity of employment floorspace by improving the attractiveness of the park to investors through an improved range of amenities, supported by well planned residential development that will create an overall sense of place and a more sustainable location. The Council will expect new facilities, including the residential element of Blythe Valley Park, to be developed within the context of a masterplan to demonstrate how integration would be achieved between existing and planned facilities and with the network of villages that lie nearby. d) Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) JLR is important to the national, regional and local economy and is a major employer. JLR remains committed to the Lode Lane plant in Solihull and has the opportunity to develop advanced manufacturing, the low carbon economy and technology that will stimulate new skills and new opportunities. The Council will support and encourage the development of Jaguar Land Rover within its boundary defined in this Local Plan. This will include a broad range of development needed to maintain or enhance the function of Jaguar Land Rover as a major manufacturer of vehicles. The reasonable expansion of the site into the Green Belt will be given positive consideration where economic need can be demonstrated and appropriate mitigation can be secured. e) The Council considers that the above key economic assets represent an important opportunity to improve access to employment. It is also important that economic growth does not harm the quality of the environment. The Council will expect development proposals that generate significant numbers of jobs to demonstrate measures to improve access to employment from parts of the Borough where unemployment persists, in particular North Solihull or where economic opportunity can be taken, for example, Solihull Town Centre. This could, for example, include public transport improvements and practical support for partnership working arrangements that will enable residents to take advantage of training arising from developments. Applicants for development are expected to have regard to other relevant policies of the Local Plan, including those referring to design, climate change, access and amenity.

Provision of Land for General Business and Premises

To encourage sustainable economic growth and provide a broad range of employment opportunities the Council will plan for a continuing supply of employment land. The Council will support the allocated sites for purposes set out in Fig. 13. Small-scale supporting facilities may be allowed where needed to specifically enhance or complement business use in the particular business locality and are compatible with sustainable development principles. (a) To ensure that an adequate supply of land remains available for employment purposes, sites will be protected for their allocated purposes. Non-allocated employment sites will also be protected for employment use (Classes B1, B2, B8 and, where appropriate, waste management). Alternative uses may be allowed where the following criteria are met: i. The site is relatively isolated from other business premises or is out of place in the context of other neighbouring uses, such as residential; or ii. It is clearly demonstrated that there is no longer a need to retain the site/premises for their intended business class purpose; or iii. In the case of vacant premises, there is no longer a reasonable prospect of attracting business development in market terms; iv. The alternative use will support sustainable development principles and will directly support employment locally; v. There is no conflict with other policies of the Local Plan or National Planning Policy. (b) The Council will encourage the retention of small and medium sized enterprises, and the creation of new ones, both in urban and rural areas as a key economic driver and to help facilitate growth in a broad variety of locations, including North Solihull as a priority, subject to the following criteria: i. Form, use and scale are appropriate to the character of the particular location. ii. There is no significant harm to the local environment, including landscape quality and character. iii. Proposals for home-working are compatible with the character of the local environment and are consistent with the amenity policies of the Local Plan. iv. The land or premises are not in the Green Belt or are compliant with Green Belt policy. v. In the case of development in rural areas, it is consistent with the Council's countryside policies and does not undermine the quality and character of the natural environment. The Council will expect development proposals on business sites to include the necessary infrastructure to accommodate high capacity digital communication. In order to encourage sustainable access to business developments and reduce the need to travel, applicants for planning permission for business use will be expected to demonstrate the anticipated level of employment that will be generated and how this will be of benefit to meet local employment needs. Employment development will not be allowed where it sterilises natural resources or key sites needed to secure sustainable development, particularly in regard to provision for distributed heat and energy networks.

Climate Change

The Council will take full account of national and local targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the generation of energy from renewable and low carbon sources, when considering the location and design of new development. It will support the establishment of Renewable Energy Service Companies and community-led initiatives to reduce energy use and exploit renewable energy sources within the Borough. Where appropriate, improvements to the energy standards of existing buildings through national and local initiatives such as the Affordable Warmth Strategy for Solihull and the Government's Green Deal will be promoted. Developers will be expected to follow a sequential approach to carbon reduction for all new development. Where feasible and viable, new development should incorporate decentralised energy and heating networks. Where it is demonstrated that decentralised networks are not feasible or viable, development should achieve the necessary carbon reduction through on-site measures incorporating design, energy efficiency and renewable energy generation, taking account of the contribution from the Building Regulations and achievement of the Code for Sustainable Homes where relevant. Where it is demonstrated that carbon reduction through on-site measures is not feasible or viable, a financial contribution toward off-site carbon reduction will be required, in the form of allowable solutions. Proposals to develop decentralised energy and heating networks in the Borough will be encouraged and should be based on the latest available evidence. Any impacts from infrastructure, including on-site low carbon and renewable energy installations, on the surrounding natural, built and historic environment, including ground and surface water quantity and quality, or on residents or businesses will be considered, with significant weight to be given to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to be achieved. Where adverse impacts are identified, these should be minimised, or be subject to appropriate mitigation. In locations where decentralised energy and heating networks or off-gas networks exist, or have the greatest potential, such as Solihull, Shirley and Chelmsley Wood town centres, North Solihull Regeneration Area hubs, and major business parks and developments, developments of an appropriate scale, density and/or mix will be encouraged and developers will be expected to connect to or deliver decentralised networks, unless it is demonstrated that this is not feasible or viable. Where lower cost solutions such as decentralised networks are viable, developers should aim to achieve zero carbon for all new developments in excess of 50 dwellings or 1,000 square metres, unless it is demonstrated that this is not feasible or viable. Where decentralised networks are not feasible or viable at the time of application, developers will be expected to show evidence in the design of the development to enable future adoption of decentralised networks.

Natural Environment

The Council recognises the importance of a healthy natural environment in its own right, and for the economic and social benefits it provides to the Borough. The full value and benefits of the natural environment will be taken into account in considering all development proposals, including the contribution to the green economy and the health of residents, and the potential for reducing the impacts of climate change. Joint working with neighbouring authorities will be supported, recognising the need for a landscape scale approach to the natural environment and conservation of biodiversity. The Council will seek to protect, enhance and restore the diverse landscape features of the Borough and to create new woodlands and other characteristic habitats, so as to halt and where possible reverse the degrading of the Arden landscape and promote local distinctiveness. Development should take full account of national and local guidance on protecting and restoring the landscape and the areas in need of enhancement, including guidance relating to the countryside. Developers will be expected to incorporate measures to protect, enhance and restore the landscape, unless it is demonstrated that it is not feasible, disproportionate or unnecessary. The Council will seek to conserve, enhance and restore biodiversity and geodiversity, to create new native woodlands and other habitats and to protect, restore and enhance ancient woodland and green infrastructure assets across the Borough. Protection of ancient woodland, designated sites and priority habitats shall include the establishment of buffers to any new development. Development should be informed by the latest information on habitats and species, and take full account of national and local guidance on conserving biodiversity, opportunities for biodiversity enhancement and for improving and restoring the Borough's green infrastructure. When appropriate, development should seek to enhance accessibility to the natural environment, especially for disabled people. The Council will protect areas of national and local importance for biodiversity and geodiversity, where it is reasonable, proportionate and feasible to do so. Development likely to have an adverse affect on a Site of Special Scientific Interest, whether directly or indirectly, will be subject to special scrutiny and will be permitted only if the reasons for the development clearly outweigh the nature conservation value of the site and the national policy to safeguard such sites. Where development may have an adverse affect on a Site of Special Scientific Interest, developers will be expected to incorporate measures to enhance the condition of the site, unless it is demonstrated that it is not feasible. Development likely to have an adverse affect on a Local Nature Reserve or a Local Wildlife or Geological Site will be permitted only if the reasons for the development clearly outweigh the nature conservation or geological value of the site and its contribution to wider biodiversity objectives. Where development would have an adverse affect on a site of local value, developers will be expected to incorporate measures to enhance the site or to restore the links between sites in accordance with the Green Infrastructure study, unless it is demonstrated that it is not feasible. Outside designated sites, developers will be expected to take full account of the nature conservation or geological value, and the existence of any habitats or species included in the Local Biodiversity Action Plan, or sites in the Local Geological Action Plan. Developers will be required to undertake a full ecological survey and to deliver a net gain or enhancement to biodiversity, unless it is demonstrated that it is not feasible.

Resource Management

The Council will promote and control new development to prevent the production of waste within the Borough wherever possible, and will encourage prevention from existing buildings and uses. Where this is not feasible, waste shall be treated as a resource to be reused, recycled, or from which value will be recovered, with management to be as high up the waste hierarchy as possible. Disposal of waste shall be a last resort, to be considered only when all other options have been exhausted. Management of waste shall seek to maximise the contribution to economic development and employment in the Borough, especially within and accessible to the North Solihull Regeneration Area. Waste operators will be expected to demonstrate that the greenhouse gas emissions from the operations involved and associated transport of waste from source to processing facility have been minimised. The Council will seek to address the waste capacity gap in the Borough through this policy, so that an equivalent tonnage is provided within waste management facilities to that arising in the Borough by 2028. Wherever possible, on-site management of waste shall be preferred, unless the activities would result in unacceptable harm through impacts on the environment, transport or on neighbouring uses, or it is demonstrated that management elsewhere would have wider sustainability benefits. Strategically important waste management sites within the Borough, where waste management activities will be supported in principle, are identified on the Proposals Map. These sites include the site of the former Arden Brickworks in Bickenhill, which contains the household waste recycling centre, and a range of other waste management operations, the materials recovery facility at Meriden Quarry, the composting facilities in Berkswell, and the Moat Lane and Chapelhouse Depot waste transfer stations in the Mature Suburbs and North Solihull Regeneration Area. When investigating the suitability of sites for waste management operations in the Borough, the potential for consolidating or expanding waste management facilities at the former Arden Brickworks site, for the co-location of complementary waste operations at Berkswell and Meriden quarries, and for locating waste management facilities on appropriate industrial sites within the Borough shall be considered. Where it is not possible or appropriate for new operations to be developed on-site or in these locations, developers shall consider the potential of sites within the Area of Search for waste management facilities identified on the Proposals Map. The Council will have regard to the following criteria in considering the suitability of sites for waste management facilities: i. The contribution towards national and local waste management strategies, objectives and targets, including the Solihull Municipal Waste Management strategy 2010-2020 ii. The contribution towards economic development and employment in the Borough, particularly in or accessible from the North Solihull Regeneration Area iii. The contribution to national and local targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, taking account of those resulting directly from the operations (Policy P9), and those from the transport of wastes from the source of arisings to the end management iv. The potential for on-site management associated with development and other uses v. The potential for the development of shared facilities for more than one waste planning authority where these would accord with this policy vi. The potential for the co-location of complementary activities where there are no adverse cumulative impacts vii. The contribution towards the restoration of former mineral workings in the Borough viii. The suitability of the site for the type of wastes and operations involved, including whether the activity can take place within a building or other enclosure ix. The impacts on transport infrastructure, including the potential for the use of alternative modes to road transport, and highway safety x. The compatibility of waste management activities with neighbouring uses, including the nature of the wastes, operations, hours of working and any cumulative effects where waste management activities already exist xi. The availability of suitable previously developed land and/or redundant buildings xii. The impact on the Green Belt, taking account of National Policy and Policy P17 of this plan xiii. The impact on the environment, including the protection of water resources and quality (Policy 11), conservation of biodiversity (Policy P10), high quality design (Policy P15), the protection of the historic environment and built heritage (Policy P16), and on air quality from emissions and dust xiv. The impact on amenity and health, including visual intrusion, noise and vibration, litter, odour, vermin and bird attraction, including the impact on aerodrome safeguarding.

Open Space, Sports and Recreational Facilities

a) The Council will protect open space, sports and recreational facilities from inappropriate development. Where proposed development would result in the loss of a facility or area of open space, the proposal will only be permitted where appropriate compensation is provided. Such compensatory measures could include re-provision or the enhancement of existing open space or facilities, in accordance with the priorities for action outlined in adopted Council strategies such as the Green Spaces Strategy (2006). The Council supports the principle of designating land as Local Green Space. Where designation would be appropriate, necessary and where the open space meets the criteria outlined in national guidance, the Council will support designation of Local Green Spaces in neighbourhood plans. b) The Council will require provision for and maintenance of appropriate open space, sports and recreational facilities as an integral part of new development. This should address identified shortfalls in local provision, outlined in adopted Council strategies and provide for the resultant increase in population from the development. Provision should accord with the local standards and priorities for action outlined in the adopted Green Spaces Strategy (2006) and future revisions, the Indoor Sports Facilities Strategy and Green Infrastructure Strategy. Where the minimum standard for children's play and youth facilities is already met, developments will be expected to give more generous provision. To ensure a high quality living environment for the occupiers of all new residential development, including supported housing schemes for the elderly and those with disabilities, provision should be made for informal amenity space, in accordance with Policy P15 – Securing Design Quality. Proposals for family housing will be expected to provide opportunities for safe children's play in accordance with the Design for Play and the Free Play Network's 10 Design Principles. To promote healthy lifestyles in the workplace, major commercial development proposals, (over 1ha or 1,000 sq.m) will also be required to provide new open space and/or contribute to enhancement of the green infrastructure network, in accordance with Policy P15 – Securing Design Quality and Policy P10 – Natural Environment. c) The Council will support proposals for new or improved sports and leisure facilities providing that the development: i. Addresses any shortfall in provision outlined in the Indoor Sports Facilities Strategy or the adopted Green Spaces Strategy (2006); ii. Reflects the 'town centre first' principle outlined in national guidance and is of a scale and size appropriate to the hierarchy of Town Centres as defined in Policies P1 – Support Economic Success, P2 – Maintain Strong Competitive Town Centres, and P19 – Range and Quality of Local Services; iii. Is situated within an accessible location as defined in Policy 7 – Accessibility, where the development is easily accessible to the local community and is well served, or is capable of being well served, by public transport, walking and cycling; and iv. Accords with other Green Belt and Amenity policies in the Plan. Subject to the above criteria, the Council will support proposals for shared sports facilities at educational centres, where the facility also serves the local area. d) The Council will support proposals that encourage greater recreational and leisure use and enhancement of the river and canal network providing that the development safeguards the historic and natural environment and purposes of the Green Belt, in accordance with Policies P10 – Natural Environment, P16 – Conservation of Heritage Assets and Local Distinctiveness and P17 – Countryside and Green Belt.

Water Management

All new development should have regard to the actions and objectives of appropriate River Basin Management Plans in striving to protect and improve the quality of water bodies in and adjacent to the Borough, including the Rivers Blythe and Cole and their tributaries. Developers shall undertake thorough risk assessments of the impact of proposals on surface and groundwater systems and incorporate appropriate mitigation measures where necessary. The Council will expect developers to demonstrate that all proposed development will be served by appropriate sewerage infrastructure and that there is sufficient sewage treatment capacity to ensure that there is no deterioration of water quality, or that the delivery of any development will not be delayed by the need for additional water treatment provision. The Council recognises the need for water efficiency in all new development. Developers shall demonstrate the highest possible standards of water efficiency through the use of water efficient fittings and appliances, and where appropriate, recycling of potable, grey water and rainwater in order to minimise consumption. All new development shall incorporate sustainable drainage systems, unless it is shown to be impractical to do so. Developers shall ensure that adequate space is made for water within the design layout of all new developments to support the full use of sustainable drainage systems, and shall demonstrate that improvements to the water environment will be maximised through consideration of a range of techniques. Wherever possible, sustainable drainage systems will be expected to contribute towards wider sustainability considerations, including amenity, recreation, conservation of biodiversity and landscape character, as well as flood alleviation and water quality control. Developers shall explore opportunities to contribute towards the objectives of relevant Catchment Flood Management Plans. Wherever possible, development should promote the reduction of flood risk by seeking to reinstate the natural floodplain, the de-culverting of watercourses and the limiting of surface water runoff to green field rates via the use of sustainable drainage techniques. On all development sites larger than 1 hectare, surface water discharge rates shall be limited to the equivalent site specific Greenfield run off rate. Developers will be expected to demonstrate that the layout and design of a development takes account of the surface water flows in extreme events so as to avoid flooding of properties, both within and outside the site. Applications for new development where there is a flood risk issue should be accompanied by a site flood risk assessment. Developers are encouraged to secure reduction of flood risk by the provision or enhancement of green infrastructure, wherever possible. Existing flood defence infrastructure will be protected and development that would compromise the flood defence function will be permitted only if it is demonstrated through a flood risk assessment that the risk both within and outside the site, and to sites further downstream is not increased. New development will not normally be permitted within areas at risk of flooding. Where it is clearly demonstrated that there are no other viable sites at lower risk of flooding, consideration will be given to development in such locations, providing that it is designed to be safe from the effects of flooding and will minimise flood risk on the site and reduce risks elsewhere.

Minerals

Mineral Safeguarding Areas (MSAs) for important underground coal resources in the eastern part of the Borough, and for sand and gravel aggregate resources between Berkswell, Hampton and Meriden and east of the NEC and M42, including sites for important associated infrastructure and to meet potential needs are defined on the Proposals Map. The Council will permit the search for new minerals, including coal bed methane resources, whether within or outside the Mineral Safeguarding Areas, providing that the criteria for minerals development proposals are met. Permission for exploration will not necessarily imply that a subsequent consent for mineral extraction will be forthcoming. Within these MSAs, proposals for non-mineral development will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that the development will not result in the sterilisation of mineral resources or the loss of important infrastructure or sites for potential infrastructure needs in the areas. Prior to development, developers will be expected to ensure that all safeguarded minerals that would be affected are extracted, unless it is demonstrated that the resources have no economic value, extraction is not feasible or would result in excessive costs or delays, or that there is an overriding need for the development that outweighs the need to safeguard the mineral resources. Alternative materials: The Council will promote the use of alternative materials, such as secondary and recycled aggregates in all new development within the Borough. Provision for alternative materials will be encouraged on sites for significant development within the Borough, where appropriate. Permanent facilities will be encouraged within the area of search for appropriate waste management facilities defined on the Proposals Map. Provision for primary sand and gravel extraction: Provision for primary sand and gravel resources will be made through a mixture of specific sites, preferred areas and/or areas of search to meet the identified requirement of 7.5 million tonnes over the plan period. These will include sites already granted planning permission where not included in the current sub-regional landbank. Preferred areas for primary sand and gravel extraction are identified at Marsh House Farm, Hornbrook Farm and west of Berkswell Quarry, which will provide around 2.5 million tonnes and are defined on the Proposals Map. Extraction of any site or part thereof that will impact on an adjacent Site of Special Scientific Interest will be permitted only if the necessary avoidance and/or mitigation is incorporated to protect the SSSI. Areas of search for primary sand and gravel extraction are identified between Berkswell, Hampton and Meriden and east of the NEC and M42 to meet the shortfall in provision, and are defined on the Proposals Map. However, inclusion within an area of search does not imply that all of the mineral resources are viable or that extraction would be acceptable. Sand and gravel extraction outside the areas of search may also be permitted, if there is evidence that insufficient mineral resources from the areas of search are likely to come forward within the plan period, or that production targets will not be met. Mitigation, restoration, aftercare and after use: Proposals for mineral working or related infrastructure will be assessed against the following criteria: i. Contribution towards national and local strategic objectives or wider needs including national and local targets for minimising carbon emissions and using alternative materials; ii. Contribution towards the local and sub-regional economy and the regeneration of North Solihull; iii. Contribution towards local communities and character and quality of the environment; iv. Opportunities for the co-location of related uses and wider benefits such as the production of secondary or recycled aggregates; v. Impact of the proposed activities, including any associated infrastructure, on surrounding land uses and amenity, taking account of the nature of the operations, duration, hours of operation, noise, dust vibration, air pollution, visual impacts and, in respect of underground extraction, the impact of subsidence; vi. Impact on

Countryside and Green Belt

The Council will safeguard the "best and most versatile" agricultural land in the Borough and encourage the use of the remaining land for farming. Development affecting the "best and most versatile" land will be permitted only if there is an overriding need for the development or new use, and there is insufficient lower grade land available, or available lower grade land has an environmental significance that outweighs the agricultural considerations, or the use of lower grade land would be inconsistent with other sustainability considerations. Development involving farm-based diversification will normally be permitted in order to support farm enterprises and the management of land, providing it is in an appropriate location, of a scale appropriate to its location, and does not harm the Green Belt, conservation or enhancement policies. The Council will not permit inappropriate development in the Green Belt, except in very special circumstances. In addition to the national policy, the following provisions shall apply to development in the Borough's Green Belt: • Development involving the replacement, extension or alteration of buildings in the Green Belt will not be permitted if it will harm the need to retain smaller more affordable housing or the purposes of including land within the Green Belt. • Limited infilling will not be considered to be inappropriate development within the Green Belt settlements, providing this would not have an adverse effect on the character of the settlements. Limited infilling shall be interpreted as the filling of a small gap within an othe

Provision for Open Space, Children's Play, Sport, Recreation and Leisure

a) Existing public open space, sports and recreational facilities: The Council recognises the importance and multi-functional benefits of public open space, sports and recreational facilities within the Borough and will support the enhancement of existing facilities and open space. Loss of existing facilities through development will not be permitted where they are of value by to the local community for recreation, visual amenity, nature conservation or make an important contribution to the quality of the environment or network of green infrastructure, unless: i. it can be demonstrated that the open space or buildings are clearly surplus to requirements; or ii. the need or benefits of the development clearly outweigh the loss. In such circumstances, the Council will require appropriate compensatory measures for the loss. Enhancement of open space or buildings shall be in accordance with Policy P15 – Securing Design Quality and Policy P10 – Natural Environment. The Council supports the principle of designating land as Local Green Space. Where designation would be appropriate, necessary and where the open space meets the criteria outlined in national guidance, the Council will support designation of Local Green Spaces in neighbourhood plans. b) Provision of new public open space, sports and recreational facilities: The Council will require provision for and maintenance of appropriate open space, sports and recreational facilities as an integral part of new development. This should address identified shortfalls in local provision, outlined in adopted Council strategies and provide for the resultant increase in population from the development. Provision should accord with the local standards and priorities for action outlined in the adopted Green Spaces Strategy (2006) and future revisions, the Indoor Sports Facilities Strategy and Green Infrastructure Strategy. Where the minimum standard for children's play and youth facilities is already met, developments will be expected to give more generous provision. To ensure a high quality living environment for the occupiers of all new residential development, including supported housing schemes for the elderly and those with disabilities, provision should be made for informal amenity space, in accordance with Policy P15 – Securing Design Quality. Proposals for family housing will be expected to provide opportunities for safe child

Conservation of Heritage Assets and Local Distinctiveness

The Council recognises the importance of the historic environment to the Borough's local character and distinctiveness, its cultural, social, environmental and economic benefits and the effect this has on civic pride. The Council considers the following characteristics make a significant contribution to the local character and distinctiveness of the Borough and where applicable, development proposals will be expected to demonstrate how these characteristics have been conserved: i. The historic core of Solihull Town Centre and its adjacent parks; ii. The historical development and variety of architectural styles within the Mature Suburbs and the larger established rural settlements of Meriden, Hampton-in-Arden, Balsall Common, Knowle, Dorridge, Bentley Heath, Hockley Heath, Cheswick Green and Tidbury Green; iii. The Arden landscape, historic villages, hamlets, farmsteads, country and lesser houses and the distinct medieval core of historic rural settlements including Berkswell, Barston, Temple Balsall, Meriden Hill, Walsal End, Hampton-in-Arden, Bickenhill and Knowle; iv. Parks, gardens and landscape including common, woodland, heathland and distinctive fieldscapes as defined in the Warwickshire Historic Landscape Characterisation; and v. The canal and railway network, including disused railway lines and the working stations at Solihull, Olton, Dorridge and Shirley, together with associated structures. Development will be expected to preserve or enhance heritage assets as appropriate to their significance, conserve local character and distinctiveness and create or sustain a sense of place. In Solihull, heritage assets include; Listed Buildings, Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Registered Parks and Gardens, Conservation Areas and also non-designated assets; buildings, monuments, archaeological sites, places, areas or landscapes positively identified in Solihull's Historic Environment Record as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions, such as those identified on the Local List. All applications and consents that affect the historic environment will be expected to have considered and used the evidence in the Solihull Historic Environment Record to inform the design of the proposal. This should be explained in the accompanying Design and Access Statement or, for significant proposals, in a Heritage Statement. Proposals seeking to modify heritage assets for the mitigation of and adaptation to the effects of climate change will be expected to be sympathetic and conserve the special interest and significance of the heritage asset or its setting.

Provision of Sites for Gypsies and Travellers

Provision of Sites for Gypsies and Travellers

Affordable Housing Threshold

A threshold at which an affordable housing contribution is required, of 0.2 hectares or more or delivering 3 or more net dwelling units.

Rural Exceptions

The provision of affordable housing developments to meet the needs of people with a local connection to the Parish or neighbourhood will be supported on green belt land.

Market Housing

The Council is justified in requiring the mix of market housing to reflect the types of households requiring market housing to ensure that market provision reflects local Borough demand and to sustain mixed and balanced communities.

Meeting Housing Needs

a) Affordable Housing The Council will require developers of allocated and unidentified sites to make a contribution to affordable housing on residential sites of 0.2 hectares or more, or housing developments of 3 or more (net) homes to meet the housing needs of the Borough. Affordable housing includes social rented, affordable rented or intermediate – tenure housing which is available at below market price or rent and which is affordable to households whose needs are not met by the market. The Borough definition of 'affordable' is set out in an Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which will be updated periodically to reflect changes in local incomes and house prices. Contributions will be expected to be made in the form of 40% affordable dwelling units on each development site, but will take into account: i. Site size; ii. Accessibility to local services and facilities and access to public transport; iii. The economics of provision, including particular costs that may threaten the viability of the site; iv. Whether the provision of affordable housing would prejudice the realisation of other planning objectives that need to be given priority in the development of the site; v. The need to secure a range of house types and sizes in the locality in helping to achieve socially balanced and mixed communities; and vi. The need to achieve a successful housing development. Where on site provision is not feasible or viable there will be a financial contribution towards the provision of affordable housing that would not otherwise be provided, elsewhere within the Borough. This policy applies to all qualifying sites across the Borough and includes Gypsy and Traveller sites. In addition to requiring a proportion of the homes to be 'affordable' the Council will identify the tenure, mix and type of the homes and any requirements for homes to be designed to meet specific needs such as those of older or disabled people. The mechanisms and criteria for delivery of Policy 4 are set out in an Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document. b) Rural Exceptions The provision of affordable housing developments on green belt land to meet the local needs of households in that Parish or neighbourhood will be supported in circumstances where, i. The development proposal is consistent with the Village, Parish or Neighbourhood Plan; or ii. There is evidence that people with a local connection to the Parish area have a housing need that cannot be met through affordable housing provision on an allocated housing site and the proposed development is supported by the Parish Council or Neighbourhood Group. c) Market Housing Where the Council issues a development brief for a site this will include details of the likely profile of household types requiring market housing, e.g. multi-person, including families and children (x%), single persons (y%) and couples (z%), as identified by the latest Strategic Housing Market Assessment. In assessing the housing mix of allocated and unidentified sites, the Council will, in negotiations, have regard to: i. Site size; ii. The existing mix of market housing and local housing demand in the area as guided by the Strategic Housing Market Assessment; iii. Accessibility to local services and facilities and access to public transport; iv. The economics of provision, including particular costs that may threaten the viability of the site; v. The need to secure a range of house types and sizes in the locality in helping to achieve socially balanced and mixed communities; and vi. The need to achieve a successful housing development. The Council considers permanent residential moorings to be low cost market housing and will require a proportion of all new moorings to be permanent residential and not solely provision for touring, leisure and holiday moorings.

Provision of Land for Housing

The Council will allocate sufficient land for 3,960 net additional homes to ensure sufficient housing land supply to deliver 11,000 additional homes in the period 2006-2028. The allocations will be part of the overall housing land supply detailed in the table below (Fig. 14). The annual housing land provision target is 500 net additional homes per year (2006-2028). A trajectory showing how this target will be delivered from all sources of housing land supply is included in the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment and will be subject to annual review. The housing sites are phased to ensure a continuous supply of housing provision throughout the Plan period and a continuous supply of affordable housing. Sites will not be released for development before they reach their specified phase, unless existing housing land supply falls below national planning policy deliverable housing land supply requirements. New housing will be supported on unidentified sites in accessible locations where they contribute towards meeting identified borough-wide housing needs and towards enhancing local character and distinctiveness. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, new housing will not be permitted in locations where accessibility to employment, centres and a range of services and facilities is poor. The density of new housing will make the most efficient use of land whilst providing an appropriate mix and maintaining character and local distinctiveness. Higher densities will be more appropriate in the most accessible locations. Development briefs will be prepared for each site in consultation with communities and developers and will set out the Council's expectations for the development of each site. Each brief will provide criteria and principles for development. Development briefs will be a material consideration in planning applications and will inform pre-application discussions.

Provision of Sites for Gypsies and Travellers

The Council will meet the identified need for 38 permanent residential pitches to 2027 as set out in the 2012 Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment. The provision of pitches to meet this need will be determined through a Gypsy and Traveller Site Allocations Development Plan Document. The following criteria will be used in the allocation of future sites and subject to compliance with other policies in the plan, applications which perform well against the criteria and which contribute to meeting any identified unmet need, will be considered favourably. i. The size and scale of the site and the number of caravans stationed is appropriate to the size and density of the local settled community; ii. Any unacceptable adverse visual impact can be adequately minimised; iii. The site is not in an area prone to flooding; iv. Any unacceptable adverse impact on landscape or local nature conservation designations, ecology, biodiversity or the historic environment can be mitigated; v. There is no unacceptable adverse impact on privacy and residential amenity for both site residents and neighbouring land uses; vi. The site has safe and convenient access to the highway network; vii. Local services and facilities such as schools, health facilities, fresh food and employment are accessible by walking, cycling and public transport, or it can be demonstrated that the site is sustainable in other ways. Sites in the Green Belt will not be permitted unless other locations have been considered and only then in "very special circumstances".

Developer Contributions and Infrastructure Provision

Development will be expected to provide, or contribute towards provision of: • Measures to directly mitigate its impact and make it acceptable in planning terms • Physical, social and green infrastructure to support the needs associated with the development Infrastructure and mitigation measures will be provided in a timely manner to support the objectives of the Local Plan. The Council will, where appropriate, seek to secure site-specific measures through planning obligations. The nature and scale of any planning obligations sought will be related to the form of development and its potential impact on the site and surrounding area. The cumulative impact of developments will also be taken into account. Developer contributions in the form of the Community Infrastructure Levy will contribute towards strategic infrastructure required to support the overall development in the Local Plan. The Council will work in partnership with infrastructure providers and other delivery agencies in updating the Infrastructure Delivery Plan, preparing Development Briefs and other LDF documents if necessary.

National Planning Policy Framework Presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development

When considering development proposals the Council will take a positive approach that reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. It will always work proactively with applicants jointly to find solutions which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area. Planning applications that accord with the policies in this Local Plan (and, where relevant, with policies in neighbourhood plans) will be approved without delay, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Where there are no policies relevant to the application or relevant policies are out of date at the time of making the decision then the Council will grant permission unless material considerations indicate otherwise – taking into account whether: • Any adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework taken as a whole; or • Specific policies in that Framework indicate that development should be restricted.

Maintain Strong, Competitive Town Centres

Maintain Strong, Competitive Town Centres

Range and Quality of Local Services

a) Local Centres Knowle, Dorridge, Castle Bromwich, Marston Green, Balsall Common, Hobs Moat, Kingshurst, Arran Way, Craig Croft, Dickens Heath, Hatchford Brook, Shelly Farm, Meriden, Olton. Solihull has a variety of local centres which need to be developed and sustained in a way which ensures their continued sustainability and economic success. The scale and nature of new development should reflect the centre's role and function in serving local needs, the opportunity to reduce the need to travel or the need to sustain the economic viability and vitality of the centre. Appropriate development could include retail, leisure, community and other facilities. All new development will need to be sensitive to local character and enhance the public realm. b) Parades and Local Shops Local retail parades and local shops providing for day to day needs, including those serving villages, will be sustained. Proposals for change of use or new development will be granted planning permission where this role would not be prejudiced. All new development will need to be sensitive to local character and enhance the public realm.

Maintain Strong, Competitive Town Centres

The Council will maintain strong and competitive town centres. Town centres will be the focus for all new developments including retail and other commercial development in line with the town centre first approach of the National Planning Policy Framework. SOLIHULL TOWN CENTRE Solihull Town Centre will be developed and sustained as a place of quality and distinction. It will provide the civic heart of the Borough and the principal focus of commercial activity and public transport. It will be shaped and managed to ensure continued economic growth and success. The extent of Solihull Town Centre is defined on the Proposals Map. The character and quality of the town will be protected and enhanced through the promotion and careful control of new development which is sensitive to its context but adds a new dimension to visual interest, activity and economic success. The Town Centre Strategy Map establishes: i. The extent of the Town Centre to focus commercial and leisure activity, facilitate effective and efficient patterns of movement and public transport and to provide a clear identity. ii. A public realm framework as a focus for pedestrian movement and activity. New building will be required to front onto this network and focus their public activity to that frontage iii. A pattern of retail frontages to ensure the effective, efficient, convenient vital and successful functioning of the town as a shopping centre iv. Opportunity Sites for new development at Touchwood, Mell Square West, Lode Lane and Herbert Road/Station Road: and indicative opportunities elsewhere including Mell Square East, Lode Lane and Homer Road. In total, new development in the Town Centre will provide: v. About 34,000 sq.m. of additional comparison retail floorspace by 2021; a further 23,000 sq.m. 2021 to 2026; and an additional 2,800 sq.m of convenience retail floorspace to 2026. vi. Up to an additional 35,000 sq.m. of new office floorspace vii. Residential development, both on freestanding sites and as part of mixed use development or refurbishment schemes, will be encouraged in & around the town centre. Larger scale sites additional to the Opportunity Sites listed above will include: • Monkspath Hall Road • Station Approach The development at Monkspath Hall Road shall be designed to allow for the relocation of Solihull Railway Station though such a proposal is not being put forward at this time. The timing of new development will pay due regard to the need to ensure a balance of activity throughout the town centre during the whole of the plan period. A particular concern will be to ensure the continued success of both sides of High Street without either side becoming overly dominant in terms of floorspace or activity. The timing of development will also need to pay due regard to the need to ensure the effective provision of public transport, walking and cycling routes and to avoid unacceptable levels of traffic congestion within, or on routes to and from, the town centre. All new development will be expected to make a reasonable and proportionate contribution to the cost of providing and maintaining necessary town centre infrastructure, especially for walking and cycling access, public transport, the public realm and on key highway links & junctions within & serving the town centre. The provision of private parking within the town centre will be accepted for housing development and where there is clear operational need. The provision of additional public parking will only be accepted where it can be shown that there is insufficient public parking already available to serve the development proposed. SHIRLEY TOWN CENTRE Shirley Town Centre will be developed and sustained as a focus of commercial activity & services for the local community. It will be shaped and managed to secure its regeneration and economic success. The extent of Shirley Town Centre is defined on the Proposals Map. The boundary focuses commercial activity south of the junction between Stratford Road and Haslucks Green Road and in a new development west of Stratford Road which creates a new heart to the Centre and better links into Shirley Park. Retail activity will be focused within the town centre boundary and will be required to front onto Stratford Road or the new public realm between Stratford Road and the Park. No substantial retail development will be granted planning permission elsewhere. The former Powergen Site on the Stratford Road North of Haslucks Green Road will be developed in a manner which effectively connects to and complements the town centre that is a mix of residential, office, hotel, leisure or community uses but shall not include any substantial retail floorspace. All new development should be sensitive to local character and enhance the public realm. CHELMSLEY WOOD TOWN CENTRE Chelmsley Wood Town Centre will be developed and sustained as a focus of commercial activity, services and public transport. It will be shaped and managed to secure its regeneration and economic growth and to provide a focus for the local community and an identity of which it can be proud. The extent of the Town Centre is defined on the Proposals Map and retail activity will be focused within it. New development on the edge of the Town Centre will be encouraged to assist regeneration of both the Town Centre and the wider area of North Solihull. It will also be encouraged to better link the Town Centre and its interlink to Meriden Park and Cole Valley and enhance the public realm in and around the centre. MAIN TOWN CENTRE USES ELSEWHERE The Plan seeks to ensure the vitality of its town centres as the heart of their communities. Proposals for main town centre uses will be expected to locate in Solihull Town Centre and/or Shirley and Chelmsley Wood town centres. Proposals for main town centre uses elsewhere, that do not accord with the policies and proposals of this local plan, will be considered in the light of the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework. Elsewhere there is a presumption against development unless it is promoted by the policies and proposals of the Plan.

Managing Demand for Travel and Reducing Congestion

Managing Demand for Travel and Reducing Congestion

Accessibility to Development

a) Residential development proposals in urban areas east of the M42 should be located where it is realistic to access the following facilities by non-car modes: i. Convenience shopping facilities (foodstuffs, newspapers, basic household goods) - 400m (5 minutes walk) from the development; ii. Primary school - 1000m (15-20 minutes walk); iii. Secondary school - 1400m (18-20 minutes walk); iv. Cycle route - 200m (direct distance); v. Bus stop (3 buses per hour minimum frequency, 5 buses at peak times) - 400m; vi. Railway station with commuter services - 1400m; vii. Employment centres - 3000m. Residential development proposals for fewer than 3 dwellings in urban areas east of the M42 will be required to meet these criteria. Non-residential development proposals (e.g. office, retail, leisure, education) should be located where it is realistic to access the following by non-car modes: ii. A cycle route - 200m (direct distance); iii. A bus stop (minimum service frequency of 3 buses per hour, 5 at peak times) - 400m; iv. A railway station with commuter services - 1400m. For non-residential development, access to the core walking, cycling and public transport networks should be measured from the main entrance of the development. ii. Investment will be sought in improvements to local public transport provision, cycling and/or walking measures commensurate with the scale and nature of the development and the accessibility levels currently being achieved in the locality. Such investment should be identified by the local community they serve; iv. Proposals for change of use are likely to be resisted if they reduce accessibility to levels below those listed in this policy. Investment in improvements to local public transport provision, cycling and/or walking measures will be sought in association with development proposals which do not meet the accessibility criteria set out by this policy. Residential development proposals for fewer than 3 dwellings in urban areas west of M42 and within rural settlements will be exempt from the criteria set out above. Investment in improvements to local public transport provision, cycling and/or walking measures will continue to be sought in association with such proposals where considered necessary. b) Access to development from the core walking, cycling, public transport and road networks will be expected to be: i. Safe, attractive, overlooked and direct on foot, by bicycle and from public transport; ii. Safe for those vehicles which need to access the development; iii. And assessed in accordance with Policy P15 'Securing Design Quality' in the Local Plan.

Managing Demand for Travel and Reducing Congestion

a) All development proposals should have regard to transport efficiency and highway safety: i. Development will not be permitted which results in a significant increase in delay to vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists or a reduction in safety for any users of the highway or other transport network; ii. Travel demands associated with development should be managed to minimise detrimental impact to the efficiency of the highway network; iii. Ensure new development reduces the need to travel e.g. by promoting linked trips and encouraging mixed use development where appropriate; iv. Provision for parking and servicing will be required in accordance with a Supplementary Planning Document on managing travel demands associated with development; v. The Council will support proposals for strategic public transport schemes such as rapid transit, local rail schemes as identified in LTP3 and local Park and Ride at appropriate railway stations subject to other policies in the Local Plan; vi. Off-site parking provision proposed in association with economically important sites will be supported, subject to other policies in the Local Plan, where sustainable transport links between those sites and the parking provision are of a good quality, direct and attractive to use. b) The use of sustainable modes of transport, i.e. walking, cycling and public transport, shall be promoted and encouraged in all developments by: i. Ensuring the design and management of the development enables and encourages the use of sustainable modes of transport; ii. Ensuring transport planning measures are implemented to help and encourage people accessing the development to use sustainable transport modes; iii. Ensuring the routes to the site from nearby services and local public transport stops are good quality, direct and attractive to use for all users.