TWO councillors have called on Solihull planners examine how trees and hedges on green belt land could be protected from destruction by developers, after an influx of planning applications in the borough.
Blythe ward councillors, Keith Green and Ken Hawkins have written to Mark Andrews, Solihull’s Head of Planning Design and Engagement.
They have referenced an incident a few years ago where many aged trees, including historic oak trees aged around 100 years old, were felled by developers before planning permission had been granted.
They want to avoid a similar situation and they say, whilst most developers will abide by the proper process and help to work towards good outcomes for local communities, they fear some speculative developers may not.
Coun Hawkins said: “I am reminded of a previous situation to the destruction of the Forest of Isengard, in Lord of the Rings.
“We must avoid the same thing happening again.”
Coun Green added: “We need to protect and preserve our environmental heritage.
“Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.”
Previously Coun Green, had called for a plan to be drawn up for Dickens Heath, Tidbury Green and Cheswick Green before new, and prospective, development applications were determined. There were three sites included for development in the now withdrawn local plan for the borough,
And with development sites looking set to be determined by the authority’s planning committee this autumn, Coun Green is calling for action.
He said: “There are issues with some of these sites so it is essential we establish a masterplan for these communities before looking to determine any new applications.”
Applications to build more than 300 homes in the area have been submitted to the council and includes 200 homes on Arden Green, off Tilehouse Lane, and 110 homes on land west of Rumbush Lane.
In addition, waiting in the wings are proposals for more than 1,000 homes, including 850 homes at Fulford Green, Rumbush Lane, and 200 homes land off Dickens Heath Road.
Bloor Homes have submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the 200 homes off Dickens Heath Road.
An EIA is a process used to evaluate the potential environmental consequences of a proposed project or development and helps identify, predict, and mitigate negative environmental impacts before a project is approved.
In the submission Bloor Homes states it wants to build up to 200 homes with vehicular access from Tilehouse Lane, land for school/community use, public open space, drainage, landscape and other associated works.
Coun Green said: “It is realistic that before the end of this year we could have almost 2,000 new homes identified in the previous pan approved and then have the threat of between 1,500 to 2,000 additional homes to consider.
“It is vital a masterplan for these communities is established before these speculative applications are considered. This must mean we delay determining new applications until our new local plan is produced.”
Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, Solihull council’s cabinet member for climate change and planning, said: “We understand these concerns, and recognise the importance of the natural environment as part of supporting any proposed developments.
“All major planning applications are required to deliver mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain. This assesses the baseline biodiversity value of a site and then reassesses it based on the planned development.
“The planned development should demonstrate at least a 10 per cent gain on the baseline.
“This can be provided ‘on site’ or ideally as close as possible elsewhere in Solihull or the surrounding area.
“If any trees or hedgerows were removed prior to an application being approved, we have protection from the Environment Act which means these can still be considered as part of the assessment. This can include the replanting of any removed trees or hedgerows.”
