Solihull Green Belt Development Approved for 145 Homes Despite Opposition
Solihull planners have granted outline planning permission for a 145-home development on green belt land between Solihull and Knowle, following a unanimous vote at a recent council meeting. The decision comes despite significant opposition, including from Meriden and Solihull East MP Saqib Bhatti, who raised concerns about the loss of green belt and potential overdevelopment.
Revised Plans and Affordable Housing Commitment
The Kler Group initially proposed up to 151 dwellings on 7.46 hectares of agricultural land off Gentleshaw Lane, northwest of M42 Junction 5. The applicant later revised the plans to seek outline permission for 145 homes, with half designated as affordable housing. This revision aimed to address some community concerns while meeting housing needs in the borough.
Public Consultation and Opposition Concerns
A public consultation generated 89 responses, highlighting several key issues:
- Loss of green belt: Residents expressed concern about the permanent removal of protected green space.
- Strategic gap closure: The development would reduce the separation between Solihull, Knowle, and Dorridge.
- Overdevelopment: Some argued the scale of development was excessive for the area.
- Wildlife impact: Concerns were raised about harm to local wildlife habitats.
MP Saqib Bhatti joined residents in opposing the scheme, emphasizing these environmental and community impacts.
Council Debate and Officer Recommendations
During the council debate, Councillor Prish Sharma voiced concerns about infrastructure strain, noting that 145 homes could mean at least 290 additional residents placing pressure on local health services and schools. However, planning officer Kim Allen countered that the application included mitigation measures, with developer contributions likely funding classroom construction and supporting NHS surgeries.
Officers had recommended approval, classifying the land as "grey belt" – green belt land deemed suitable for housing development under specific criteria. This classification played a crucial role in the decision-making process.
Implementation Timeline and Previous Approvals
Councillor Sardul Marwa questioned the implementation timeline, noting that while Solihull has approved several developments to meet government housing targets, few have seen construction begin. Officer Mark Andrews explained that outline permissions must be followed by reserved matter applications addressing layout, scale, and appearance before work can commence.
The approval is conditional on completing a section 106 agreement, which will formalize developer contributions to local infrastructure. The meeting took place at the Civic Suite on February 11, 2026, with all councillors voting in favor.
