PROPOSALS to build 110 new Knowle homes were deferred at Solihull Council’s planning committee last night (Wednesday).
The plans, for land to the north east of Hertford Way, are for a mix of one bedroom flats and houses with two, three and four bedrooms available on the open market, for affordable rent and as shared-ownership.
In total, 40 per cent of the development will be made up of affordable properties.
The committee decided to defer the application because of the design, road sweeping issues and over concerns with the three storey buildings.
Coun Diane Holl-Allen said: “This was not an ideal site but we all knew it was going to happened and this land was destined for development.
“I do think there is area where we can move this around a bit in particular the three storey buildings, I’m not happy about that.”
Coun Jeff Potts added: “In my mind the three storey buildings should me removed and changed to two storey.
“This estate represents a lost opportunity as for us the layout is a concern.”
Warwickshire Wildlife have also made an objected to the application with issues being raised over wildlife being destroyed which uses the fields – this includes owls, bats, badgers, foxes, hedgehogs and adders.
Concerns have been raised with the existing estate not being aligned with the new development.
Issues have also been voiced over the density of the scheme, the three storey buildings being out of character, the plot sizes being too small and the road layout not being in keeping with the area.
But, it also highlighted the local plan had estimated the site could fit 115 homes which were needed to address housing needs in the borough, especially for one and two bedroom homes in Knowle and
Bentley Heath – making it important the development maximised the use of the land available.
Other worries included the increase in traffic it would bring which could lead to highway safety issues at the junctions of Middlefield Avenue and Grove Road and Middlefield Avenue and Hertford Way. Highways have not made an official objections to the proposal.
Others have highlighted issues with the added pressure the new homes will put on existing services such as hospitals, doctors, dentists and schools.
As part of the 106 Agreement the developer will contribute £383,142.08 to Arden Academy and £17,500 toward public footpath improvements.
