This week I must return to the Local Plan, which was discussed at Tuesday’s Full Council meeting, on the agenda following the Planning Inspectorate’s suggestion that we should withdraw it. Many will be aware of just how long we have been working with the inspectors to try and achieve a resolution, indeed the years we have spent working on the plan.
We have always tried to be pragmatic in our approach. At no point have we tried to shirk our duties and responsibilities to identify sufficient land to provide the homes and employment opportunities the borough needs. But we have been equally clear in our intent not to agree further incursions into the Green Belt, when we believed other solutions were available.
But you can imagine how disappointed I was by the conclusions of the inspectors. Conclusions that, in short, boil down to a difference of opinion over the certainty of the delivery of 1,700 homes at the NEC. We offered an early review of our delivery performance, again a pragmatic approach, instead of just allowing another 1,700 homes to be built on green belt, which the previous government had directed us to protect!
Now, given the recent changes to the national planning system proposed by the new government, coupled with the inspectors’ conclusions, we had no other option than to ask Council to withdraw it, which was agreed at the meeting on Tuesday.
So, with the Plan withdrawn we must now start work immediately on a new plan. We will have to take into account the government's changes in calculating housing needs, which could increase the borough’s housing requirement by an eye watering 52%! This will undoubtedly involve, again, very difficult decisions around sites for new homes and a close examination of the new planning rules. Fortunately, most of the work done on the previous plan will be relevant.
In any new plan, I want to remain committed to maximising our brownfield land and ensuring any site for new homes or jobs is supported by the necessary infrastructure. However, with the change of government, our options might be restricted and not be as expansive as we would wish. We may have little room for manoeuvre.
I remain of the view that having a Local Plan, if we can, does remain the best way to influence development in Solihull in the most appropriate and sustainable way. It will minimise the risk of speculative development, maintain the character of the borough and ensure it continues to be the place we all enjoy living in.
From very local concerns to a global issue. A news item about the greening of Antarctica and the melting of the ice cap recently caught my eye. The increase in vegetation in Antarctica underlines the accelerated warming at both our poles and rising sea levels as the ice melts.
The hurricanes that have devastated Florida, especially yesterday’s Hurricane Milton, show just how fragile are even sophisticated first world countries like America are, and that nowhere is immune from the brutal consequences of climate change. I have been to these parts of Florida and I have seen how some buildings have attempted to take account of the weather and potential flooding, but not the storm surges of 10-15 feet.
On a very local level, there are things we can all do to help the environment: reducing, reusing and recycling – an important mantra and one that will be in focus next week, during Recycle Week. Our website has lots of useful tips and ideas.
On a positive note, I am genuinely excited to remind you all about next week’s Apprenticeship Show at Cranmore Park on Wednesday 16 October from 3:30pm to 7:00pm. With over 3,000 visitors attending the two shows last year, this free event is a brilliant opportunity for people of all ages to learn about apprenticeships as an alternative to further studies or career path.
The list of employers and training providers is exemplary with representatives from our local manufacturing, construction, hospitality and healthcare sectors. They include National Grid, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust, Rolls-Royce, the NEC group, Royal Air Force, Solihull College & University Centre, South & City College Birmingham and Solihull Council.
And even better, some current apprentices will be on hand to share their first-hand experience with you. The event is free and to register to get your free ticket please follow this link.
Yesterday was World Homeless Day and our rough sleeper outreach team held a free drop-in session at Chelmsley Wood Library for anyone homeless or at risk of homelessness. The aim was to to give people the chance to pop in for an informal chat with representatives from local homeless advice organisations and mental health services.
But we can all play our part in supporting the homeless. If you see anyone sleeping rough, please contact StreetLink via https://thestreetlink.org.uk/ who will notify our Outreach Team. And if you are really concerned and you think someone is in immediate danger, always call 999. You can also donate to Change into Action Solihull which works with Solihull Council to provide additional support – https://changeintoaction.org.uk/solihull
Finally, finding new solutions for transporting goods around our towns and villages in an eco-friendly way is part of our journey to a more sustainable future. So, it was great to see we have a free borough-wide trial offering businesses and community groups the opportunity to try out innovative e-cargo bikes.
Four types of e-cargo bikes will be available to lease for free on a trial basis, with each providing easy access storage spaces with capacity to carry up to 200kg including the rider. Council officers will be hosting a trial on Wednesday 30 October, 2-3pm at Tudor Grange Park cycle track, for people to test these bikes to see if they can make use of them.
The hope is that e-cargo bikes could be a practical, sustainable and low-cost alternative to petrol or diesel-powered vehicles for moving goods and equipment or making household deliveries. I hope businesses and community groups take us up on the offer.
Have a good weekend.
Councillor Ian Courts.