Blythe Valley Park in Solihull is currently home to 13 companies, employing over 3,000 people. In October 2006, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council granted permission for the second phase of the development, following a successful Development Plan Public Inquiry in 2005.
The second phase will create an additional 74,000 square feet of high quality office space, surrounded by a 14 hectare extension to the countryside park. The forecast employment benefits include the creation of 4,000 new permanent jobs, accessible to residents of the East Birmingham North Solihull Regeneration Zone. Three new bus services are also proposed with financial support for the Council; this will improve business links within the West Midlands.
Various publicised stakeholder briefing events were held for local Council Members, local residents, members of the local Chambers of Commerce and existing Park occupiers.
In addition, during May 2006, an exhibition of the proposed development was held for two weeks in the Park Management Office. Members of the project team staffed the display, including British Land Planning Executive, Miles Price. This provided a forum for people to ask questions and give their views on the scheme. Those attending appreciated being able to talk directly with the developer. Miles also welcomed the opportunity to explain the proposals to the local community and to discuss local wishes and concerns face to face.
The exhibition was designed to address the known concerns and issues of the various stakeholder groups. As a result, the response to the proposals was very encouraging, with visitors substantially supporting the development. Residents commented on how informative the exhibition had been and only a few new issues emerged. These included:
- Providing more footpath and cycle links
- Revisiting the proposed tree species to guarantee all year round screening
- Introducing suitable signage to direct visitors to and through the countryside park.
Residents in Kineton Lane, who are closest to the development, were offered three options for the landscaping treatment at the rear of their properties. They received a letter asking them to comment on the options and to propose alternatives if they felt better solutions were possible. Feedback from the residents was incorporated into a new fourth option which is now to be introduced. The residents requested:
- A more open view across the Countryside Park to ensure children can be seen when playing
- More tree screening around the development plot boundaries to reduce views of the new buildings
- More footpath links across the Countryside Park, to cater for local dog walkers.
The enlarged Countryside Park will enhance habitats and diversity, creating new areas for nature conservation and informal recreation. We have committed to fully planting the Countryside Park before any development occurs to ensure minimum impact on the local community.
Regular newsletters are sent to the local community to ensure they are kept informed of plans for future buildings, events and projects.
For more information visit www.blythevalleypark.com