A significant new housing proposal has been unveiled for a village in Solihull, sparking debate over the future of protected green belt land. Developer Richborough has formally submitted an outline planning application to Solihull Council, seeking permission to construct up to 150 new homes on a site off Tanworth Lane in the village of Cheswick Green, Shirley.
Details of the Shirley Development Proposal
The application, lodged last month under reference PL/2025/02358/PPOL, requests outline permission for the residential scheme, which includes provisions for access, substantial public open space, landscaping, and associated infrastructure. A key component of the plan is the commitment to deliver up to 75 affordable homes, representing half of the total proposed dwellings.
In a planning statement prepared by agents Planning Prospects, the developer argues that the designated land constitutes grey belt – a classification referring to lower quality green belt land considered more suitable for housing development than pristine protected areas. The statement emphasises the intent to create a sensitive, high-quality development that integrates physically and socially with the existing settlement of Cheswick Green.
Community Integration and Benefits Cited
The planning documentation highlights the village's existing amenities, noting that Cheswick Green has a population of approximately 3,500 and offers services and facilities within recommended walking and cycling distances for future residents. Promised community benefits extend beyond housing to include children's play areas and the creation of new public open spaces within an expansive landscaped setting.
Richborough has taken into account the views expressed by those who were consulted and has sufficiently engaged with the local community, the planning statement asserts. A formal public consultation on the proposals is now underway, with a deadline for submissions set for February 9.
Broader Context of Solihull Housing Pressure
This application arrives amidst considerable development pressure on Solihull's green belt. The borough has been set a government target to deliver 8,500 new homes by 2029, a directive that has prompted a series of applications from developers seeking to build on protected land.
This is not the only major proposal in the Shirley area. Earlier this month, Taylor Wimpey submitted plans for 120 homes on land off Stratford Road in Shirley. Furthermore, just last month, Solihull planners approved a double application from both Richborough and Taylor Wimpey to build around 1,200 homes on green belt land at Dog Kennel Lane, also in Shirley.
Interested residents and stakeholders can view the full application details and submit comments via the Solihull Council planning portal using the application reference number. The outcome of this proposal will be closely watched as it contributes to the ongoing debate balancing housing needs with green belt preservation in the region.
