Hi all,
Can you help?
This is our last chance to have our say on the proposed redevelopment of the old Morrison's Supermarket site in Shirley (Stratford Road).
As you have previously supported and signed the petition to question the current plans for this development; you will share some agreement in the fact that, as they stand, the plans to place an 8 story building which will hold 111 resisdential apartments and an 84 bed care home/falility, is unrealistic, unwanted, unprecendented and uncalled for.
As residents of Shirley, we have created the below document for others who would like to share their views with Solihull Planning Department. The deadline to submit is creeping ever closer, so please support if you wish/can, as soon as possible.
Please see the generic adaptable letter below, tick statments you agree with and email it toplanning@solihull.gov.uk
include the reference number PL/202100086/PPFL in the subject line.
Or
simply email your thoughts to the above email address.
We really appreciate your support with this.
Many thanks.
Megan
Date: 9thFebruary 2021 Address:………………………..……………………
Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands
Postcode: B……………………..
For the attention of Solihull Planning Council Team
Ref: PL/202100086/PPFL - Planning Objection Comments regarding the former ‘Morrison’s Supermarket’
As a local community resident I would like to formally Ptick the bulleted listagainst comments and objections I agree with; regarding the proposed over development of the former Morrison’s Supermarket. This large corner plot situated at the junction of three major routes/ roads (Stratford Road / Solihull Road and Sutherland Avenue) along Shirley to Solihull, Birmingham City and / or the M42 /M40 Motorways.
1)
Loss of Light
· Loss of natural day light – 25 metre high residential building with roof points
· Loss of natural night light – access, communal, residential and workplace care home lights will be on throughout the evening / night times and during some daylight hours; effectively 24/7.
· MACC submitted some examples of shadow impact with the opinionated comments of ‘No discernible impact’ – this is not FACTUAL, nor is it accurate.
· The two other close linked developments ‘ Dove House Court and Robert Peel House’ were restricted to the loss of light impact by restricting its ‘Height’ to 4 Storeys and limiting the affect it would have to residents living close by or directly behind / beside e.g. Longmore Road and again Sutherland Avenue.
2)
Loss of privacy
· I am concerned about the height of this 8 storey monolithic residents building, with windowed stairways, rooftop outside space and possible balcony windows, or even normal windows will impact greatly on my privacy. This is especially prevalent to the rear and side of the building, as it overlooks Solihull Road residents and Sutherland Avenue residents, of which I am one.
· People in the private and communal areas at height will be able to view into my home at ground and first floor level (bedrooms) as well as my private rear garden.
· The Care Home building will have staff and external visitors (medical / family /friends) visiting continuously – all day and night 24 hrs. Outside using communal areas that access onto Sutherland Avenue / Shirley Road – meaning increased footfall and people viewing my residence at all times of the day.
· The residential block will have residents / visitor or non-visitors accessing communal stairwells and grounds with view to my residence.
3)
Intensity of Development
· Over development of the sight the increased population of staff/ employees that work there, residents / people that live there and then visitors using the open facilities listed Gym, Hair Stylists etc.
· This can be calculated as a large increase – based on the planning proposal alone of 111 apartments + 84 bed care plus staff, visitors, routinely will calculate to over 300 -500 people a day. Given the previous supermarket usage which had planning time’s restrictions or staff/ customers on site at any one time – NON of which lived there signifies that there will be substantial footfall to this site.
· There is no precedent of this 8 storey height of the residents building for Shirley High Street there is one building that adjacent to Shirley Park that is 5 Storeys high and all of the Shirley Park current developments are 4 Storeys.
· The only tall 7 to 12 storey residential buildings locally NOT on Shirley High Street is Solihull Village (Poppy Fields). This was built on the former ‘Powergen’ office block headquarters and was a substantial building already to the height that was developed. Morrison’s has never been above the sight line of other buildings and it would be hugely intensive development of a corner plot.
4)
Intensity of Development
· The 4 storey height planned for the ‘Care Home’ facility will be above the sight line of the existing carpark and trees, encroaching on the skyline even more.
· The 4 Storey height planned residential block opposite to residential homes on the former side aspect of Morrison’s along Solihull Road would be directly in view looking into and out of homes limiting the skyline and daylight aspects.
5)
Noise and Smell
· Increased residential refuse and potential waste issues accumulating in the public areas by the building.
· Airport report identifying potential issues with Birds – pigeons / seagulls that could nest or collect on the window ledges roof areas creating waste and mess.
· Constant noise from 300 + residents living permanently on a site that was only open during daylight hours as a supermarket. The waste disposal noise and collection to accommodate such large numbers of residents.
6)
Design and appearance
· The proposed façade included in the plans identifies ‘cladding’ will this meet the current government legislation, in reference to environment usage, insurance purposes and fire safety regulations.
· The former line of police houses isn’t clearly indicated on the submitted planning drawings that should indicate the build line, opposite houses on Sutherland Avenue – so am concerned this is not included accurately.
· The proposed elevation drawings submitted as pdf isn’t loading on planning access website to be viewed – however the previous Morrison’s elevations are. Therefore I am compromised as I am not able to compare objectively the changes with this new MACC development.
7)
Landscape and Trees
· There is talk of keeping existing trees / shrubbery to soften the new exterior finishes that will face directly onto Sutherland Avenue. Concerns are that this aspect of noise / visual screening will not be adhered.
· It will also create an impact on green space / wildlife and migrating birds ‘Fieldfares’ that regularly frequent the trees along Sutherland Avenue to feed on the red berries of these trees.
· Enhanced ‘Communal’ landscaping of the area has been listed on the plans with no consultation to the existing community residents with regards to how this can accommodate all.
8)
Highway matters to include Traffic and Parking
· Surveys taken for the planning proposal have been taken during lockdown and are not a true representation of the amount of traffic, congestion and emissions that occur at these junctions to include: Sutherland Ave, Iceland car park exit from behind shops, Solihull Road and the slip roads on both sides of the traffic lights at the junction of Stratford Road.
· The proposed relocation of the bus stop to outside residentshouses to the east side along Solihull Road – concerns about congestion, residents trying to exit or access their driveways and the width of footpaths to accommodate this.
· Increased parking restrictions as a result of this development – creating parking congestion areas.
· The relocation of the underground car parking to Solihull Roadwith only a left hand entrance and exit to it – raises concerns about the even more increased congestion at this pinch point of the traffic lights or side road accesses.
9)
Impact on Community Facilities
· The proposed planning of this development will not encourage community cohesion, it will have the opposite impact creating impersonal residential high rise living.
· The demographic targeted purchasers of these apartments, are not family focused, it is older retired population that is already well represented locally with this type of living complex and an inbuilt care home for when you’re no longer independent.
· Shirley will no longer be the thriving, vibrant family suburb that it formally was, with retail outlets to re-establish the ‘new’ type of High Street’ fostering and encouraging our younger/ next generation, to stay and contribute locally.
Additional Comments: Please add or delete below
I feel that I have been limited in my opportunity to formally object to this development – in part due to the constant lockdown measures in place due to Covid. I Strongly object to these rushed plans for redevelopment during an unprecedented time. Shielding or lockdown has been implemented nationally and on local residents making it extremely challenging to communicate effectively as a community, about our concerns - so that our voices and the factual objections we would like raised, about this development, could be heard.
Signature: ……………………………………. Printed Name: ………………………………………………………..
I am declaring that this is a true /authentic reflection of my comments /objections to the planned proposal listed in the reference – Hillfield Place PL/202100086/PPFL
I am acknowledging that I have received, some additional support from a local resident to help me complete my objections on this document for the planning department. The reasons why, are ticked below.
- English is not my first language
- I have limited ICT or Literacy Skills
- I have no or limited access to the internet or electronic devices
- I have a disability or impairment
- Other
Comments entered directly through the website:
http://publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk by clicking on the comments section
or
by preferably email to
planning@solihull.gov.uk
include the reference number PL/202100086/PPFL in the subject line