SLP KDBH Extracts - Flipbook - Page 144
i.
The availability of parking provision and wider highway impacts;
ii.
Accessibility by a range of transport modes, including sustainable and active
travel routes;
iii.
Expected noise generation from the facility;
iv.
Any other impacts on the amenity of surrounding residential properties or
commercial operations
Justification
457.
District Centres provide services and goods to their local communities and in the hierarchy of
town centres are second tier to the main town centres of Solihull, Shirley and Chelmsley
Wood. Castle Bromwich has been identified as the only District Centre in the Borough, the
centres in Knowle, Dorridge, Balsall Common, Kingshurst Village, Smiths Wood Village and
Chelmund’s Cross Village function as ‘local centres’ which service the communities
immediately around them and reduce the need to travel for staple purchases.
458.
Local Centres typically include a convenience shop or a small supermarket; they may also
have newsagents, pharmacy, local café/restaurants, hot food takeaways, small office and
may also be a popular location for independent retailers.
459.
In terms of function, local centres add considerably to the quality of life, and the Council
considers it is important to retain the vitality of the local centres, even though permitted
development rights mean the Council now has limited control over changes of use.
460.
Solihull has a number of local centres of varying size which act as a focus and provide key
services for the communities they serve (which can also include the surrounding rural area of
those centres outside the conurbation).
461.
While shopping habits change and evolve, the Council will enable a broad range of facilities
of a suitable scale in local centres and will expect good design that respects local character
and enhances the local public realm.
462.
There are numerous local parades and freestanding small shops throughout the Borough.
Local parades and shops provide for the day to day needs, as well as offering a place for
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