Plans for 99 new homes on green belt land in Hockley Heath have been approved by Solihull Council, leaving hundreds of villagers disappointed. The development, located south of School Road, attracted over 200 objections during a public consultation, including from Hockley Heath Parish Council and MP Saqib Bhatti.
Proposal Details and Public Opposition
Applicant Nurton Developments Ltd proposed a mix of one to four-bedroom properties, along with five and six-unit apartments. Campaigners voiced their concerns at a planning committee meeting on May 27, highlighting the "deluge of speculative planning applications" in the village. Stuart Swinton, a School Road resident representing the Hockley Heath Action Group, noted that the 300-strong group is worried about road safety. "School Road is a narrow country road where cars can barely pass each other," he said, adding that two child-related accidents near Tudor Grange School have occurred in recent years. He pointed out that four active planning applications and two identified sites on School Road alone total 202 dwellings, generating an additional 1,400 vehicle trips daily.
Infrastructure and Sustainability Concerns
Hockley Heath Parish Council vice chairman Sarah Quinton described the village as small, with limited public transport, no rail, and restricted bus connectivity. She noted that the secondary school is already oversubscribed and the primary school is at capacity. Ward councillor Sally Tomlinson argued that without a full infrastructure review, it is premature to assume Hockley Heath can accommodate such additional housing. Councillor Max McLoughlin called the site an "unsustainable location for housing of this scale," warning that it would create a generation of car-dependent residents.
Planning Officer Recommendations and Benefits
Despite opposition, planning officers recommended approval. Caroline Chave from Chave Planning highlighted that the applicant would make "generous" contributions to improve local infrastructure, including traffic calming and pedestrian safety schemes on School Road with pedestrian crossings. Planning officer Becky Matravers outlined the benefits: substantial weight was given to affordable and market housing delivery, moderate weight to economic benefits, and additional moderate weight to education, health, and sports provision. The land had previously been proposed for housing in the council's local plan before its withdrawal.
Committee Decision and Next Steps
Councillors voted unanimously to approve the application, subject to conditions. Issues such as layout, scale, and appearance will be addressed in a future 'reserved matters' application. The approval comes despite the parish council's ongoing infrastructure review, which officer Mark Andrews noted could not be given material weight due to the lack of a neighbourhood plan.
