The LDF Evidence Base
The new planning system requires our planning policies to be based on strong evidence. The Sustainable Development Team is currently preparing the evidence base that will underpin the development of our LDF policies, including the Core Strategy.
Set out below are details of the evidence base studies we are currently working on. When the studies are complete they will be available on this page, so keep checking this page for updates.
Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment - Although the Regional Spatial Strategy will identify Solihull’s housing requirement figure, this study will assess the suitability of sites proposed to meet the housing land requirement and what action will need to be taken to ensure suitable sites can be developed. This assessment will not determine which sites or areas will be allocated or identified for new housing development but will help in the decision making process.
As part of the Housing Land Availability Assessment we are required to involve local communities and stakeholders in identifying suitable sites for development or redevelopment. This will help us in making decisions on which sites will be identified for developed to meet our future housing requirements. If you would like to propose land for new housing or any other use you can use the attached form
Strategic Housing Market Assessment - A joint study with Birmingham, Lichfield and Tamworth Councils to provide an estimate of housing need and demand in Solihull in terms of affordable and market housing. It will also determine how the distribution of need and demand varies across the study area, for example between the urban and rural areas. It will consider future demographic trends and identify the accommodation requirements of specific groups, such as the elderly or first time buyers.
Gypsy & Traveller Accommodation Assessment - A joint assessment with Birmingham and Coventry City Councils to identify the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers and assess the need to allocate new sites for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation.
Settlement Studies - This study will provide data on the Borough’s settlements in terms of their character and ability to meet the needs of their residents, both now and in the future, to test what scale of development would be appropriate in different settlements and to inform the policies we produce as part of the LDF.
Business Tourism Study - A study of the need for additional business tourism facilities e.g. hotels within the Borough.
Coventry, Solihull & Warwickshire Employment Land Study - A sub-regional study of the need for employment land up to 2026.
Solihull Town Centre Study - A study of Solihull Town Centre to guide its future development, including the need for new retail and other development in Solihull Town Centre, to inform policies relating to the role and development of Solihull Town Centre to 2021 and beyond.
Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) - A sub-regional assessment for Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire to define the areas that may flood, taking into account waterways and other sources of flooding and the impacts of climate change. The assessment will determine the variations in flood risk from all sources of flooding across the area and will form the basis for preparing appropriate policies for flood risk management.
Solihull Green Spaces Strategy - An review of the Green Spaces within the Borough, in line with government guidance, has been undertaken. A strategy to support the role of existing green spaces and priorities for improvement to existing and the provision of new open space was adopted in August 2006.
Contact Details
Further details about the LDF can be obtained from the Sustainable Development Team.
Telephone: 0121 704 6393, 6397, 8225 or 6646
Email: sustainabledevelopment@solihull.gov.uk