SLP KDBH Extracts - Flipbook - Page 81
Improving
Accessibility
&
Encouraging Sustainable Travel
Introduction
253.
To make provision for sustainable communities and to realise the future economic ambitions
of Solihull it is critical there is an integrated approach to transport and development across
the borough. Easy access to services and facilities such as jobs, education, fresh food
retailers and open space by all modes; and an efficient, safe and attractive street and
highway network are crucial to supporting these ambitions. The development of policies in
this section of the draft local plan have had regard to Solihull’s role in the wider area
recognising that both national road and rail networks cross through the Borough.
254.
The Borough Portrait and Challenges identify the local transport issues in the Borough. This
includes the difficulty in achieving sustainable modes of transport in the rural parts of the
Borough, due to the number of small settlements and dispersed population, whilst many of
the Borough’s roads suffer from congestion during peak hours. As well as creating social
exclusions these issues can in turn detract from Solihull’s attractiveness as a place to live,
work and learn whilst also supressing its economic potential. Effective land use planning
can, however, make a positive contribution towards re-balancing the transport system by
influencing the location of development; supporting rural transport and encouraging take up
of sustainable modes of transport.
255.
Solihull Council is embarking on a strategy of ‘Managed Growth’ through the promotion of
‘UK Central’. UK Central brings together all of the Borough’s key economic assets, including
regional business parks, town centres, Jaguar Land Rover, the Airport, future HS2
interchange station and the NEC. A key component to making UK Central a reality will be a
balanced approach to transport - one that recognises the need to cater for cars and places
appropriately as well as increasing emphasis on alternative transport modes.
Movement for Growth & Solihull Connected
256.
The West Midlands Combined Authority, has through its ‘Movement for Growth’ strategy set
out the strategic direction for the region, while the Council’s transport strategy ‘Solihull
Connected’ (adopted 2016) sets out the strategic vision for managing the quality and
performance of the transport system within Solihull and connections with the rest of the
region and the UK.
257.
Solihull Connected has five primary objectives:
Ensure that major transport investment enables and manages growth to achieve the
Council priorities for homes and jobs;
Support and enable the integrated delivery of sustainable and efficient forms of
transport like mass-transit, cycling and walking;
Contribute to the Council priorities to support people’s everyday lives and improve
health and wellbeing through the promotion of smarter choices programmes linked to
major and local infrastructure investment;
Identify a prioritised short, medium and long term delivery plan to achieve the
overarching vision and objectives whilst recognising the specific needs of the different
parts of the Borough;
Ensure that the objectives of Solihull Connected are embedded in Local Plan and
Health and Wellbeing policies to support walking, cycling and public transport use.
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