SLP KDBH Extracts - Flipbook - Page 5
Introduction
8.
At the heart of planning is the need to plan positively for sustainable development. One of
the principal ways this is achieved is by having a local plan to guide the development of an
area. Having a local plan is key to delivering sustainable development that reflects the vision
and aspirations of local communities. The aim is that local authorities should positively seek
opportunities, through their local plan, to meet the development needs of their area. The
Council’s local plan addresses the spatial implications of economic, social and environmental
change that is happening to the Borough, both now and in the future.
9.
The current local plan, the “Solihull Local Plan” (SLP), was adopted in December 2013 and
covers the period 2011 to 2028. Although it is a recently adopted plan, and is up-to-date in
many respects, there are three reasons that have triggered the need for an early review of it.
The first is to deal with the legal challenge to the 2013 plan; secondly to accommodate
Solihull’s own housing needs, as well as helping to address the housing shortfall occurring in
the wider Housing Market Area (HMA); and finally to provide a proper planning framework
that recognises the arrival of HS2 in the Borough – in particular the first station outside of
London which is to be constructed on land opposite the NEC.
10.
The latter is particularly important as it provides a unique opportunity for the Borough to
capitalise on maximising the potential HS2 has, and recognising the part it has in
contributing towards creating one of the most connected places in the country. A place
where international air travel, high speed rail, and conventional rail all come together at a
location well served by the national motorway network and local connections.
11.
Two thirds of the Borough is located in the Green Belt, and this includes the strategically
important Meriden Gap that separates Solihull and the Birmingham conurbation from the city
of Coventry. This plan seeks to protect this important feature that makes Solihull special
whilst accommodating, in a managed way, the growth that is needed.
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