Full Plans Unveiled for 300-Home Solihull Estate with Community Park
Complete proposals have been disclosed for a new housing estate on Solihull green belt land, with local residents now granted the opportunity to voice their opinions. The ambitious development, situated at Golden End Farm north of Kenilworth Road in Knowle, includes plans for 300 homes, a community park, children's play areas, and comprehensive walking and cycling infrastructure.
Development Details and Community Features
Developer Richborough Estates is spearheading the project, which spans approximately 15 hectares. According to a planning statement submitted to Solihull Council by agents Delta Planning, the site is located in a highly sustainable area within walking distance of Knowle's local centre, offering access to shopping, offices, and community facilities. The statement highlights good access to both primary and secondary education.
The proposed homes will feature a mix of housing types, sizes, and tenures, with half designated as affordable housing. Key community amenities include:
- A community car park with around 30 spaces off Kixley Lane for park users and canal towpath access.
- A drop-off point for the primary school.
- A community park providing formal and informal recreation, walking and cycling paths, children's play areas, orchards, new habitats, and drainage attenuation ponds.
Green Belt Considerations and Planning Arguments
The planning agents argue that the site does not make a strong contribution to green belt purposes, classifying it as grey belt—lower quality green belt land suitable for housing. They contend that the proposal should not be deemed inappropriate development in the green belt, asserting that the benefits significantly outweigh any negative factors.
This application seeks outline permission, with details such as layout, scale, and appearance of dwellings to be addressed in a future reserved matters application if initial approval is granted.
Resident Consultation and Broader Context
A public consultation is currently underway, with a closing date for submissions set for May 6. Residents can view the plans and submit comments by searching for application PL/2026/00639/PPOL on the Solihull Council online portal.
This development aligns with Solihull Council's broader planning strategies. Last year, the council combined Knowle, Dorridge, and Bentley Heath into a single settlement to prevent village merging, treating them as a town in planning terms. Additionally, Solihull has been assigned a target to build 8,500 homes in the borough as part of the government's national commitment to 1.5 million new homes.
