Solihull Council has identified 72 green belt sites across the borough as potential 'grey belt' areas, which could be considered for development under new government criteria. The updated green belt assessment, published by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, lists locations that may be suitable for housing or other development, subject to the local plan process.
What is 'grey belt'?
Grey belt refers to lower-quality, low-value portions of protected green belt land that could be released for development. The government's definition includes areas that do not strongly contribute to the purposes of the green belt, such as preventing urban sprawl or preserving the character of historic towns.
Solihull Council has stressed that not all 72 sites will necessarily be developed. Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, cabinet member for climate change and planning, said: "Decisions about whether any sites should be released from the green belt to meet future development needs across the borough will be made through the local plan process."
How to find the sites
The council has provided road names near each site boundary to help residents identify the areas. One of the sites is adjacent to Balsall Common, next to the new HS2 railway line. Residents can access the full list and the assessment reasoning at solihull.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/emerging-local-plan.
Next steps
The local plan will set out how many homes and jobs are needed in Solihull over the next 15 to 20 years. The council will consult on the plan before any final decisions are made. This is part of a wider government push to boost housebuilding, with councils required to review their green belt boundaries.
Residents are encouraged to check the list and provide feedback during the consultation periods. The council says it will consider all responses before any sites are formally allocated for development.
