SLP KDBH Extracts - Flipbook - Page 145
informal interaction and thereby contributing to health and wellbeing of the community. The
Council will seek to sustain and encourage these valued facilities and services, particularly in
rural areas where this would reduce the ability of the community to meet its day to day
needs.
463.
Small scale local shops and services providing for local needs on a daily basis can be
particularly important in rural areas where access to larger centres may be more difficult
without car access.
464.
Where proposals are submitted that would lead to the loss of local facilities without there
being appropriate alternative provision, it will be expected that applicants will demonstrate
that there is no reasonable prospect of the use being retained. This may include
demonstrating that the premises have been appropriately marketed to retain the existing
use.
465.
The provision of facilities will be expected to support sustainable development principles and
meet the requirements of other relevant parts of the plan, including Policy P15 that seeks to
secure design quality.
Challenges and Objectives Addressed by the Policy
C
Sustaining the attractiveness of the Borough for people who live, work and invest in
Solihull
D
Securing sustainable economic growth
F
Reducing inequalities in the Borough
H
Increasing accessibility and encouraging sustainable travel
Policy P20 Provision for Open Space, Childrens Play, Sport,
Recreation and Leisure
1.
Existing public open space, children’s play, sports and recreational facilities:
2.
The Council recognises the value of public open space for the health and wellbeing
of communities, as integral to the character and visual amenity of local areas and for
their contribution to the natural capital of the Borough. The Council will support
proposals which will contribute towards a network of high quality provision as new
and/or enhanced recreational facilities; children’s play and open space.
3.
Existing facilities that are of value to the local community for recreation, play, sports,
visual amenity, nature conservation or that make an important contribution to the
quality of the natural and historic environment or network of green infrastructure will
be protected, unless:
i.
it can be evidenced clearly that the open space or facilities are surplus to
requirements and are no longer required to meet local need;
ii.
the land does not fulfil a useful purpose in terms of its appearance, landscape
quality, recreational use, wildlife value or climate change
mitigation/adaptation;
iii.
the land does not host an element of semi-natural habitat useful in creating a
stepping stone, or wildlife corridor to another habitat or any other feature of
value to wildlife to a greater extent than would be the case if it was planted as
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