A PETITION boasting more than 1,200 signatures against plans to build up to 450 homes on Green Belt land has been handed to Solihull Council.
Councillor Ken Hawkins, cabinet member for Environment and Infrastructure and Blythe ward Councillor, launched the petition calling on planning chiefs to refuse plans submitted by Richborough to build the homes and a new children’s play area on land south of Tythe Barn Lane.
During the Full Council meeting on February 6 he handed over the 1,231-strong petition.
Protesters argue the existing flooding issues need to be addressed before more housing applications are approved and services in the village, such as school and GP surgeries are already overwhelmed.
On the petition he said: “The land intended to be built on is in the Green Belt, incorporating four local sports clubs, with several playing pitches (rugby and football).
“The proposals do not show how these will be replaced, or where. Planning Policy P20, requires at least a re-provision or replacement of such recreational facilities.
“In addition, the already gridlocked roads of Dickens Heath, Majors Green and Shirley will not be able to accommodate the extra traffic this development will bring.
“Flooding is also a major issue in this part of Solihull, with both Dickens Heath and Tidbury Green parishes having serious flood issues and these need to be addressed before consideration of any planning application.
“This will create the joining of both Dickens Heath and Tidbury Green villages, bringing and over intensity of housing in parishes that have incurred a substantial amount of additional housing development in recent year.”
In planning documents Richborough said the houses would include a range of sizes and tenures, including affordable housing.
It added a new pedestrian and cycle link between Tilehouse Lane to Tythe Barn Lane would provide a safer route to Whitlock’s End Railway Station and it would look to improve the road network with two new roundabouts on Tilehouse Lane and Tythe Barn Lane.
Developers say there are two main areas of open space proposed with the first running through the centre of the site and the second, whichwill be to the west of the development will provide ‘more formal facilities.
