SLP KDBH Extracts - Flipbook - Page 26
Spatial Strategy
Introduction
55.
Solihull has an enviable record of promoting and delivering growth in a way which enhances
the Borough whilst at the same time not undermining the characteristics that make it special
and attractive to investment. The spatial strategy will continue to manage growth and protect
these characteristics.
56.
The 2013 Local Plan incorporated a spatial strategy that was based on a housing target that
reflected the emerging requirements from the revisions to the Regional Spatial Strategy.
This was a target that was ‘constrained’ and wasn’t meeting the Borough’s own needs.
Furthermore, it didn’t accommodate any of the shortfall that was beginning to occur across
the housing market area. This plan seeks to do so by not only accommodating the
Borough’s own needs, but also in making a meaningful contribution towards accommodating
some of the shortfall from the housing market area.
57.
At the time the 2013 plan was being prepared, the plans for HS2 had not reached an
advanced stage. That plan acknowledged that the high speed rail link could play a key role
in the future growth of the Borough, but at the time it would have been wrong to assume its
development. Since then the HS2 Act has received consent, and following the issuing of the
‘Notice to Proceed’ in April 2020, construction has now started on the project.
58.
The arrival of the high speed link will have a profound effect on the Borough and this local
plan review must address how its benefits can be maximised. This is in the context of the
unique opportunity that is available to do so; with the interchange being located at the heart
of the Boroughs key economic assets and transport infrastructure.
59.
The two factors outlined above represent a significant shift from the starting point of the 2013
plan and requires the spatial strategy to be looked at afresh. This is in the context that to
deliver the level of growth envisaged, will require significant releases of land from the Green
Belt. Solihull is not alone in having to accommodate development within the Green Belt there are examples within the same housing market area where this has already occurred,
and others are expected to follow. Nevertheless Solihull puts great value in the Green Belt
and only sacrifices Green Belt if there is no other option.
60.
The Strategy seeks to develop the potential of each part of the Borough to contribute to the
growth agenda through a place making approach aimed at enhancing Solihull as a place
where people aspire to live, learn, invest, work and play; whilst recognising and protecting
character and local distinctiveness. This includes realising the potential of the UK Central
Area to drive growth and recognising the needs and growth potential of all communities in
the Borough. Opportunities for development to meet these needs will be balanced with the
importance of protecting the Mature Suburbs and the open countryside within the Solihull
Green Belt.
Developing the Spatial Strategy
61.
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The Scope, Issues and Options consultation indicated that whilst many elements of the
spatial strategy in the Local Plan 2013 remained relevant, the Review is being undertaken in
a different strategic context and needs to accommodate a substantial increase in the level of
growth to be accommodated. A significant number of representations considered that the
2013 spatial strategy was no longer appropriate, as it needed to be amended to reflect the
increased emphasis on economic and housing growth. Whilst this is accepted, it would not
be right to suggest that accommodating growth at all costs is an appropriate response.
Rather the balance between these potentially competing demands needs a shift towards