Next stage of North Solihull Regeneration project approved
From Leader of Solihull Council, Councillor Ken Meeson on 19 September 2008
Plans to completely transform Lanchester park and build new housing in north Solihull are one step closer to becoming a reality.
At last night’s Cabinet meeting (18 September) councillors agreed to release land for the scheme, providing planning permission is gained.
Much of the scheme has been in direct response to what local people – including children – said they wanted.
Over the summer, every household in the North Arran Way and Lanchester Way neighbourhoods, as well as parts of Castle Bromwich received a leaflet inviting them to attend consultation events. Posters were put up and people were also called and visited at home to encourage them to attend.
Talks were given at school assemblies to encourage young people to give their views on what they wanted, especially around the plans for a multi-use games area, and other play equipment.
The proposals include:
0 51 houses with parking spaces. The development was revised after people raised concerns about three storey apartments.
0 park improvements, including new sports pitches, skate and BMX park, multi-use games area, play spaces for young and older children, seating, new entrance, youth shelter
0 a scheme to slow down traffic on Lanchester Way including extra parking
Of the 3,800 households contacted, 114 adults responded and 301 children and young people.
0 54% said they agreed with the overall plan for Lanchester Park – including the park improvements, housing and making Lanchester Way safer. 33% disagreed, and 13% had no strong feelings. The majority of those who disagreed live opposite or very close to the area proposed for housing.
0 96% of young people agreed with the overall plan
0 47% of people liked the housing proposals, and 22% liked them with some concerns. 31% disliked the proposals.
0 A high proportion of residents liked the park proposals – 58% outright, with 48% liking them with some concerns. Young people said they wanted a youth shelter, and made specific choices over the types of play equipment they wanted.
0 Issues raised around the park included ongoing maintenance and security of the park, anti-social behaviour and vandalism, and building on green space
0 Overall 63% of people felt the traffic calming would make Lanchester Way safer, and 71% liked the proposal for extra parking.
Councillor Ken Meeson, Leader of Solihull Council, said: “I would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation to let us know what they think of the proposals, especially the young people. They have been able to influence many aspects of this scheme, which is exactly what we want.
I know there are concerns about building on green space, and some people are under the impression that 50% of the park will be lost. This is not the case – around 1.5hectares is proposed for development, and the remaining 5.23 hectares will be significantly enhanced. The improvements to the park far outweigh any loss, and everyone will be able to enjoy better facilities as a direct result. “
The proposals will now need to gain planning permission before any work begins, and a planning application from the North Solihull Partnership is expected in the near future.
For media enquiries only, Angharad Lynch 0121 704 6164
Email: alynch@solihull.gov.uk