Solihull Council has approved plans for a travellers site on the edge of Dorridge, following an application by Joseph Doherty for land at Yew Tree Cottage, Box Trees Road. The site, covering more than 3,000 square metres, will accommodate five residential pitches for caravans, meeting what the applicant described as a recognised local and personal need.
Application details and location
The application, submitted in September 2025, sought to change the use of land approximately 650 metres from Dorridge village. A planning statement accompanying the bid noted the site is “sustainably located, with convenient access to local facilities”. The land currently houses a permitted stable, a horse ménage, and a bat roost/store room.
The proposal includes five mobile homes, five touring caravan spaces, and a shared utility/dayroom converted from part of the existing stables. The dayroom is intended to minimise hazards associated with cooking and fire in caravans and provide washing and bathing facilities. Parking, turning areas, and private amenity space are also included.
National and local need for traveller pitches
The applicant argued the development makes “efficient use of an underutilised site” and addresses a national shortage of traveller sites. The planning statement highlighted that Solihull Council has identified a need for 38 gypsy and traveller pitches over the plan period from 2020 to 2036. “This application provides an opportunity to address part of the unmet need,” the statement said.
The applicant also suggested the site could be classified as grey belt—green belt land suitable for development—providing justification for approval.
Consultation and decision
No objections were raised during a consultation earlier in 2026. On 2 July 2026, Mark Andrews, the council’s head of planning, design and engagement service, issued a decision notice granting permission subject to conditions. One condition stipulates that no more than 10 caravans may be stationed on the site, of which no more than five can be residentially occupied as static caravans or mobile homes.
The application reference number is PL/2025/01806/PPFL and can be viewed on Solihull Council’s planning portal.
