Plans have been submitted to Solihull Council for a new block of 28 affordable flats on the site of the former Royal British Legion Club in Balsall Common. The application, lodged by TR Partnership Homes Ltd and Citizen Housing Group Ltd, proposes demolishing the existing buildings at 316 Station Road to make way for a three-storey apartment building comprising 16 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom units.
Brownfield site in the green belt
The site, approximately 0.24 hectares, is situated on the eastern side of Station Road and, despite being within the green belt, is a previously developed plot. A planning statement included in the application describes the proposal as “sustainable, high-quality development” and stresses that the entire scheme will be delivered as affordable housing.
The applicants argue that the loss of the former club is justified because the facility can no longer continue for commercial or operational reasons, a point they say aligns with the council’s local plan policy on resisting the loss of community infrastructure.
Affordable housing shortage highlighted
The statement also points to the borough’s lack of affordable housing, concluding: “The application should be approved without delay.” The proposal includes floor plans and street scene images illustrating how the building could look.
Residents and interested parties have until August 26 to comment on the application, which is available for viewing under reference PL/2026/01359/PPFL on Solihull Council’s planning portal.
Other planning applications in Solihull
Meanwhile, a number of other planning applications are currently under consideration by the council. These include the installation of six floodlighting columns at Field House Sports Club in Field Lane, a garage conversion and first-floor side extension at 10 Redfern Close in Olton, and a two-storey side extension and loft conversion at 23 Water Orton Road in Castle Bromwich.
Other applications include a single-storey front porch and garage extension at 44 Henley Crescent, replacement lighting columns at Yorke House in Arleston Way, Shirley, and a front porch extension, garage conversion, and side and rear extension at 19 Cambridge Avenue, Solihull.
Further schemes include a rear single-storey extension at 45 Charlesworth Avenue, Shirley, retrospective solar panel installation at 29 Bonneville Close in Millisons Wood, a first-floor side extension over an existing garage at 71 Eden Road, Elmdon, and a two-storey side and rear extension at 15 Brueton Avenue, Solihull.
