SLP KDBH Extracts - Flipbook - Page 36
81.
Solihull benefits from having a prosperous and productive economy, with its advantageous
location at the hub of the national motorway and High Speed Rail networks, international
connectivity via Birmingham Airport, and the presence of a number of key economic assets
that contribute to employment and wealth creation for the Borough and region. The arrival of
the High Speed 2 rail link within the Plan period, and the development of the Interchange
Station east of the NEC present a unique opportunity for growth to be boosted through
development within the UK Central Solihull Area.
82.
The policy sets out the key objectives that development will be expected to contribute
towards, including sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Growth that is inclusive
should demonstrate that the benefits will accrue to all by building on the strengths of
communities, ensuring that wealth is more evenly spread and enabling everyone to
contribute and participate.
UK Central Solihull Hub Area
83.
UK Central Solihull encompasses the main growth areas in the Borough; Blythe Valley Park,
North Solihull, the Solihull Town Centre, and the UK Central Solihull Hub Area. This policy
focusses on the UK Central Solihull Hub Area, which, as a result of the High Speed 2 rail
Interchange Station, offers the greatest potential for economic growth in the Borough, and
recognises the added value that co-ordinating growth aspirations can bring.
84.
The establishment of the Urban Growth Company has been a key factor assisting in the
delivery of the development potential of the area. The Hub Growth and Infrastructure Plan
(2018) sets out a vision for the development of a globally renowned business, leisure and
entertainment destination providing opportunities to live, work and play as well as a major
economic driver for the Borough. The objectives in the HGIP have informed the key
objectives in this policy.
85.
The Hub Framework Plan (2018) shows how sustained growth will be delivered up to 2047.
It predicts up to 77,500 jobs in total over that period, with over 130,000sqm of office
floorspace, 225,000sqm of industrial floorspace, 90,000sqm of retail and leisure floorspace
and 18,000sqm of hotel floorspace by 2033. Up to 4,000 new homes could be provided up to
2047, with about 1,000 delivered by 2033. The Hub Framework Plan also identifies potential
for additional growth in an international quarter south of the mainline station, which could
deliver 123,000sqm of offices and further retail, leisure and hotel development by 2033. The
Hub Framework Plan is a non-statutory plan which will be updated from time to time in
response to changing circumstances. The need for flexibility is important given the time
period development is expected to come forward in the area – i.e. from 2018 to beyond the
plan period.
86.
The Urban Growth Company published its Hub Growth and Infrastructure Vision (2019) 20
setting out the vision to create Europe’s best-connected destination for business, leisure and
living and a new outstanding gateway to the UK. It updates the level of residential
development expected in the Hub Area as a whole to up to 5,000 new homes.
87.
The Council will expect those promoting development via planning applications to
demonstrate, in greater detail, how the criteria in Policy P1 have been met, and to use
guidance in the Hub Framework Plan. It will also seek to pursue an SPD that will help guide
development.
88.
It is recognised that given the time span for development to be undertaken, and the
uncertainties about what may take place in the later years, there needs to be an increased
emphasis on monitoring what does come forward, and what the implications are for the plan.
20
As a replacement to the 2018 Hub Growth & Infrastructure Plan.
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