Solihull Council has approved a new housing estate of 110 homes in Tidbury Green, rejecting pleas to delay the decision until the borough's local plan is completed. The development on land off Rumbush Lane was granted outline planning permission at the council's planning committee meeting on July 15.
Application Details and Public Speaking
Developer Rainier Developments Limited submitted the application in August 2025 for the homes, along with vehicular and pedestrian accesses, open space, parking, and landscaping. During the public speaking section, ward councillor Keith Green called the application "speculative" and urged refusal, stating it sought to release green belt land before the new local plan was published. "The local plan exists for this reason, the appropriate mechanism for determining where future housing growth should take place across the borough," he said.
Gary Stephens, from planning agents Marrons on behalf of the applicant, argued that granting permission would not prejudice the council's local plan process. He noted the development would bring over £4 million in investment for community infrastructure, schools, GPs, and transport improvements.
Benefits for Leafield Athletic FC
The development includes funding for Leafield Athletic FC, with cash directed towards a new football pitch, grasscrete car park, and access infrastructure. Simon Birley, a match secretary and youth coach at the club, told the committee the investment would make a "massive difference" and help ensure their long-term future.
Committee Debate and Decision
Committee chairman Councillor Bob Grinsell cautioned that deferring the decision risked non-determination and potential cost penalties. "We have an application before us, we have to make a decision," he said. Officer Mark Andrews, the council's head of planning, design and engagement services, acknowledged that while a local plan would ideally guide development, "the local plan is still in development." Grinsell added that the borough was "under the cosh from central government" to build homes, leaving limited choices.
The committee unanimously approved the application, subject to conditions and a section 106 agreement. The application can be viewed on Solihull Council's website by searching for reference PL/2025/01502/PPOL.
