BLYTHE WARD – OCTOBER MONTHLY REPORT
Four main topics this month:
- 20 mph – Monkspath School
- Waste Strategy
- Bounday ward changes
- Local Plan update.
1.At my Environment and Infrastructure cabinet decision session on 10 October a report recommending the reduction of the speed limit on roads near to Monkspath Junior and Infant School is before me. The report, following consultation, recommend the speed limit on the following roads be reduced from the existing 30 mph to 20 mph:
- Farmhouse Way
- Shelly Crescent Blythe
- Shelly Lane
This is good news and is part of a scheme to ensure those who attend our schools have as safe an environment as possible.
2.The councils Waste Strategy has been reported before, when it went to a scrutiny board in September, where the proposals received unanimous support from all parties. In brief the proposals are:
- There will be a weekly food waste collection (this is mandated by government)
- Household waste (black bin) is to be collected fortnightly
- Dry and Green waste recycling to remain the same as at present (fortnightly)
The changes are not expected to take place until October 2026, which allows plenty of time to address the concerns of some residents who will require larger black bins (especially those with larger families).
3.Ward Boundary changes: these have an impact on Blythe and St Alphege wards and I have commented in detail about this issue on several occasions.
The matter goes before Solihull’s Full Council on Tuesday 8 October and apart from a few technicalities relating to Caste Bromwich and Smithswood wards the proposals that Monkspath is taken out of the existing Blythe ward and merges with parts of St Alphege ward remains (some of the existing St Alphege ward will be moved to Shirley East and Olton wards). The formal response to the Local Government Boundary Commission can be read here: SMBC Response to LGBCE Draft Recommendations v3.pdf (solihull.gov.uk)
The synergy between Monkspath and Hilfield makes sense locally. The changes will take effect officially at the next local elections in May 2026.
- Local Development Plan: as we have reported previously, the local plan had been paused but recently we have been tasked with doubling the number of houses we are expected to build in Solihull. In reality the number of houses we are expected to build can only be bult on the green belt.
The councils position statement is before the full council at its meeting on 8 October and can be read here: Appendix B – SMBC Local Plan Review – draft position statement October24 – Final.pdf (solihull.gov.uk)
Ken and Keith arev very active on the local Facebook forums and recommend readers sign up to the dedicated forum for local news – ‘Blythe Residents’. Due to the prospective ward changes residents from Hillfield are invited to join this forum.
Ken and Keith also have their own websites, where up to date and more detailed information and news can be found:
Ken – https://cllrkenhawkins.co.uk
Kieth – https://keithgreen.co.uk
Ken Hawkins 