RESIDENTS and businesses are being asked to comment on Solihull’s Draft Local Plan, when a consultation begins on today (Monday, December 5).
This Draft Local Plan will eventually replace the current Local Plan, which the Council reviewed following the legal challenge to the housing requirement in the current Plan.
The Local Plan Review will also take into account the housing shortfall across the wider housing market area and the HS2 Interchange Station.
The consultation will last for eight weeks, closing on January 30.
The Council will launch an online portal on Monday to view the Draft Local Plan Review and submit comments directly at www.solihull.gov.uk/lpr.
There will also be the chance to discuss the plan in person with Council officers working on the Review at the following libraries, between 11am and 3pm:
The Core on Friday, December 9.
Chelmsley Wood on Saturday, December 10.
Dickens Heath on Saturday, December 17 (closed 1pm – 2pm).
Balsall Common on Saturday, January 7.
Knowle on Saturday, January 14.
Coun Ian Courts, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for managed growth, said: “The proposed consultation is not a statutory requirement.
“However, we want local people and businesses to get involved in preparing a robust Draft Local Plan.
“We can then produce a Submission Draft before finally entering into the official consultation that comes before the Examination in Public.
“This is why the proposals at this stage are not fixed and why we are so keen for people’s views.
“I know it is vital for the future development of Solihull that the borough has a plan in place that can support the creation of homes and jobs in a planned and sustainable manner, while retaining the essential ‘Urbs in Rure’ character of the area.
“The final plan will have to juggle many competing forces, but to be effective, it really should have the involvement of residents, businesses, developers and the many other stakeholders that are affected.
“The question I would pose to everyone as they read through the plan and look at various sites is, ‘if not here, then where?’
“It’s important for local people to take the time to read the Draft Local Plan Review and see how it will affect themselves, their local area and the borough as a whole.”
