Residents, businesses and local developers in the borough are being asked to have their say on the proposals to tackle congestion caused by new developments.
Solihull Council’s new draft Travel Plan Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is up for discussion over the summer.
A Travel Plan is a package of measures or agreed outcomes that developers could be asked to develop in order to reduce the reliance on the private car and maximise the opportunities for sustainable travel (cycling, walking, using public transport etc.)
This is in line with the Council’s ambitions to reduce congestion, encourage cycling and walking and support Your Future Solihull, which outlines how the borough can become net zero by 2041.
The SPD aims to provide detailed guidance for developers on what they must do as part of their development proposals to make sure they don’t increase congestion or promote over reliance on using cars.
Developers will have to offer alternative options for employees, residents or customers to get to and from the development, such as providing cycling and walking schemes, shuttle buses and access to public transport.
Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning & Housing, explains: “We have listened carefully to feedback from our residents and know that congestion is a big issue for many.
“That’s why we want to make sure any new developments – be it housing, business or education – put in place Travel Plans and make it safe and easy for people to get around without using a car.
“I encourage everyone to take a look at the draft plans and let us know what you think so we can make sure these are in the best shape possible before being implemented.”
The SPD will replace current guidance on travel plans contained within the 2006 SPD “Vehicle Parking Standards and Green Travel Plans”.
The consultation will run from Friday 22 July until 5pm on Monday 5 September 2022.
Hard copies of the five consultation documents are also available to view at all Solihull Connect Centres.