Solihull Council's planning committee has given detailed approval for more than 200 new homes as part of the Mell Square redevelopment, despite persistent concerns over a severe lack of car parking spaces. The reserved matters application for plot 2 of the landmark project, known as Holbeche Place, includes 228 homes, ground floor retail and commercial space, and associated public realm and landscaping on Warwick Road.
Only 17 parking spaces for 228 homes
The plans feature just 17 car parking spaces and 122 indoor cycle spaces. Councillor David Hoey highlighted the disparity during the committee meeting on July 15, stating: “I think it works out 228 new homes, yet only 17 car park spaces.” Planning officer Jon Hallam confirmed the figure, explaining that the outline planning permission granted earlier this year acknowledged the town centre's highly sustainable location. “Effectively people who occupy the flats would use the services within the town centre, its short walking distance of all the bus stops and walking distance of the town centre,” he said.
Mansion block design and sustainability
Hallam described the proposal as “a traditional late Victorian mansion block,” adding that such blocks have become characteristics of high quality urban neighbourhoods. He confirmed there were no objections to the application and recommended approval. When outline planning was granted in February, concerns about insufficient parking were already raised. A condition was added for traffic management and a review of that strategy.
Under-utilised car parks and park and ride potential
Councillor Hoey asked if there was capacity to build additional car parking spaces. Hallam replied: “In theory you could. But the evidence we have, the car parks we have in the town centre are under utilised.” Committee chairman Bob Grinsell suggested revisiting a park and ride offer from Monkspath Hall Road car park, which was previously withdrawn due to low usage. “That could potentially at some stage be considered again as we progress in the stages of the town centre redevelopment scheme,” he said.
Vote and next steps
The committee voted eight in favour and one against to grant permission, subject to conditions. The Mell Square regeneration, which includes a mix of retail, leisure, public spaces, and more than 1,000 homes over the next decade, is being delivered by Muse Places Limited on the site of the former House of Fraser and Mell Square car park.
