A planning application has been submitted to power a Solihull business park entirely with solar energy. The IM Group, which oversees IM Properties Limited and Spitfire Homes, has applied to Solihull Council for photovoltaic solar panels and battery storage at its headquarters at The Gate, formerly known as Fore Business Park in Shirley.
Net Zero Ambitions
The planning statement accompanying the application highlights the applicant's goal to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve energy self-sufficiency. “The applicant’s aspirations are to reduce their carbon footprint and become energy self-sufficient, generating their own energy on site and thereby also reducing reliance upon the national grid,” the document states. “The applicant has stated ambitions to be a net zero carbon company by 2030.”
The proposed development involves ground-mounted solar PV panels on land to the southwest of The Gate, along with associated infrastructure such as cable routing to an existing plant room, battery storage, and a connection to the national grid. The solar energy generated is estimated to save 100 to 150 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, equivalent to powering 200 to 250 homes annually or charging 100 AC chargers simultaneously.
Green Belt Considerations
Although the land is designated as green belt, the applicant argues it meets the government's definition of grey belt, making it suitable for development. The planning statement asserts that “the harm to openness of the green belt would be negligible due to the nature and location of this small section of the green belt.” It concludes that the development is entirely appropriate and should be granted planning permission without delay.
A public consultation is now open, with submissions accepted until June 10. To view the plans or comment, search for application PL/2026/00907/PPFL on Solihull Council's planning portal.
Other Planning Applications
Below is a selection of other live planning applications under consideration by Solihull Council:
- 20 Cranmore Road, Castle Bromwich: Certificate of lawful development for roof alterations including hip to gable rear dormer loft conversion.
- 82 Colebrook Road, Shirley: First floor side extension and single storey rear extension.
- 45 Kenilworth Road, Knowle: Fell two oak trees (T1 and T2).
- 33 Tomlinson Road, Castle Bromwich: Prior notification for demolition of conservatory and ground floor rear extension.
- 63 Elms Close, Solihull: Prior notification for a ground floor rear extension with flat roof.
- 55 Union Road, Shirley: Two storey side and rear extension.
- Ashdene St. Peters Lane, Bickenhill: Three detached bungalows with parking and landscaping.
- 1 Croft Down Road, Elmdon: Two storey side, part single storey side and front extension.
- 66 Rodborough Road, Dorridge: Single storey rear and side extension.
- 7 Pembridge Road, Dorridge: Retrospective application for a single storey rear extension to replace conservatory.
For the latest planning applications in your area, visit the Public Notices Portal.
