A major property developer has revealed proposals to construct hundreds of new houses on protected green belt land within a Solihull village, sparking a fresh debate over local housing needs and countryside preservation.
Details of the Golden End Farm Proposal
Richborough has set out its intention to build 300 homes on land at Golden End Farm, situated north of Kenilworth Road on the outskirts of Knowle. The developer points to the site's previous designation in 2019, when Solihull Council's draft local plan supplementary consultation listed it as an 'amber' site for potential housing.
This classification indicated the location was considered highly accessible and close to local services, marking it as having potential for residential development. Alongside the new houses, Richborough's emerging plans include proposals for a community park, a new sports pitch, and a dedicated foot and cycle path along the Grand Union Canal.
Community Benefits and Traffic Concerns
In a move aimed at addressing local congestion issues, the plans also feature a proposal for a small car park off Kixley Lane. This is intended to help reduce traffic problems around Knowle Primary Academy during peak times.
While a formal planning application has not yet been submitted to Solihull Council, the developer has launched a public consultation to gather feedback from residents. This is being hosted on a dedicated website: richborough-knowle.co.uk.
A Developer Seeking Local Input
A spokesperson for Richborough stated: "We're delighted to share our emerging plans for land off Kenilworth Road. This development represents a real opportunity to meet local housing needs in a way that respects the character of Knowle and delivers lasting benefits for the community."
"We want these plans to reflect local priorities, so we're inviting residents to tell us what matters most to them, whether that's the types of homes, investment in transport, or the design of new public spaces. The feedback we receive will help shape the plans before we submit our application."
The Broader Context: Housing Targets and Green Belt Policy
The issue of building on green belt—often referred to as 'grey belt' when under consideration—remains highly contentious in Solihull. This comes against a national backdrop where the government has a commitment to deliver 1.5 million homes during this parliament, with Solihull borough itself assigned a target of 8,500 new dwellings.
In a related strategic move last year, Solihull Council made headlines by deciding to treat Knowle, Dorridge, and Bentley Heath as a single settlement for planning purposes. This was done with the specific aim of using the green belt's purpose to prevent the merger of the three villages, as they will now be considered one town, thereby theoretically strengthening the protection of the surrounding green belt land.
