Plans for a new business park adjacent to the M42 in a Solihull village have been unveiled, with the potential to inject millions into the local economy. The proposal, named Indurent Park, involves six units on green belt land north of Kineton Lane in Hockley Heath and has been submitted to Solihull Council.
Project Details and Economic Impact
Applicant Indurent Management Limited states that the farmland could be transformed into a site delivering over 900,000 square feet of industrial and logistics space. A planning statement included in the application highlights the strategic importance of the development: “The proposed development will deliver much-needed strategic employment land in an accessible and sustainable location adjacent to Junction 4 of the M42, which responds to the specific locational requirements of the industrial and logistics market.”
The statement further emphasises the socio-economic benefits at both construction and operational phases: “Indurent Park will deliver substantial socio-economic benefits at both the construction and operational phases. The proposed development will help to address the identified unmet need for both mid-box and larger units.”
According to the applicant, the new park could generate £52.2 million gross value added (GVA) within the West Midlands region during construction and £157.3 million GVA annually once operational.
Green Belt Considerations
The applicant argues that the land qualifies as grey belt, which is green land suitable for development. However, they acknowledge that if council planners deem it otherwise, they have “set out a planning balance that clearly demonstrates there are very substantial benefits which outweigh the harms (to the green belt) identified.” The statement concludes: “The proposal represents sustainable development and should be approved.”
An illustrative masterplan included in the application shows a potential layout of the site. A public consultation is now open, with submissions accepted until July 1. To view the plans and submit comments, search for application PL/2026/01046/PPOL at the Solihull Council planning portal.
Other Planning Applications
Solihull Council is also considering several other applications, including:
- Little Gaskins Firs Farm, Barston Lane, Barston: Prior notification for a general purpose agricultural building.
- 110 Kineton Green Road, Olton: Fell and remove silver birch tree.
- 1 Sandhills Crescent, Hillfield: First floor side extension and ground floor rear conservatory.
- 68 Ferndown Road, Solihull: Single storey front extension.
- Reading Room, Meriden Road, Berkswell: External alterations including replacement of pebble dashing.
- 240 Longmore Road, Shirley: Two storey side and rear extension, single storey front extension and loft conversion.
- 20 Cranmore Road, Castle Bromwich: Prior notification for ground floor rear extension.
- 552E Kenilworth Road, Balsall Common: Remove conservatory and replace with single storey rear construction.
- 18 Huddesford Drive, Balsall Common: Erection of enlarged front porch.
- Cottage Farm, Frog Lane, Balsall Common: Demolish existing single storey garaging and outbuildings, replace with new garaging, outbuilding and ancillary facilities.
Residents can view all applications via the Public Notices Portal.
