A small Solihull village could see its population grow significantly if plans for a new housing estate are approved. Applicant property company IM Land has submitted a proposal to Solihull Council for 185 homes on land south of Fillongley Road in the village of Meriden, traditionally known as the geographical centre of England. The village currently has a population of around 3,000.
The applicant is seeking outline planning permission to build the homes on fields covering approximately 15 hectares, which are currently used for agriculture. The proposal also includes pedestrian and cycle access from Fillongley Road, ecological enhancements, parking, landscaping, and drainage features.
Affordable Housing and Green Belt Status
In a planning statement included with the application, planning agents Marrons state that half of the homes would be affordable. The agents argue that the site is classified as grey belt – green belt land considered suitable for housing development. The statement adds: “Should the council disagree and conclude development is inappropriate, it is considered there are very special circumstances. The potential harm to the green belt by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm resulting from the proposal, is clearly outweighed by other considerations.”
Design and Community Benefits
A design and access statement says the site would feature “significant areas of green space including a children’s playground.” Contributions to improve local services “to cater for the demand generated by the development” are promised if the scheme gets the go-ahead. The statement adds: “The vision is to create a high-quality, sustainable and attractive new neighbourhood that sensitively integrates within the village and wider rural context of the site. A generous provision of natural open space of around 60 per cent of the site will create new opportunities for play, recreation and biodiversity and link into a connected network of pedestrian and cycle routes, tree-lined streets and ecological corridors.”
The layout, scale, landscaping, and appearance of the dwellings would form a ‘reserved matters’ application, which would be submitted if outline planning permission is granted.
Public Consultation
Meriden villagers are now being given the chance to have their say in a public consultation that has been launched. The closing date for submissions is June 17. To view the plans and submit a comment, search for application PL/2026/00900/PPOL at the Solihull Council planning portal.
