A Solihull MP has voiced strong opposition to a proposed housing estate on Green Belt land in Knowle, labeling the development as 'inappropriate and unjustified'. Meriden and Solihull East MP Saqib Bhatti has publicly shared his objection letter against the plans submitted by developer Richborough Estates for 300 homes at Golden End Farm, north of Kenilworth Road.
Details of the Proposal
The outline planning application, submitted in April 2026, includes a community park, children's play areas, and walking and cycling infrastructure. The developer proposes a mix of housing types, sizes, and tenures, with half designated as affordable homes. The 15-hectare site is described by planning agents Delta Planning as being in a 'highly sustainable location' with good access to primary and secondary education. They argue the site falls within the definition of 'grey belt'—lower quality Green Belt land suitable for housing—and that the benefits of the proposals significantly outweigh any negative factors.
MP's Objections
In his objection letter, MP Saqib Bhatti stated: 'This scheme is inappropriate and unjustified in terms of both its location and contribution to the cumulative scale of proposed development around Knowle. The proposal is contrary to key planning policies intended to safeguard the Green Belt and prevent harmful urban expansion in protected rural areas.' He also highlighted that the scheme fails to demonstrate essential infrastructure improvements required to support sustainable development and noted he has received a significant level of correspondence from concerned residents. He concluded: 'This scheme must not proceed.'
Next Steps
The application is for outline permission, with matters such as layout, scale, and appearance of dwellings forming a 'reserved matters' application expected to be submitted later if initial approval is granted. Residents can view the plans by searching for application PL/2026/00639/PPOL on Solihull Council's planning portal.
