New government planning changes that encourage more homes near railway stations, including on green belt land, could have a "major impact" on Solihull, a borough councillor has warned.
The updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), published on Monday, August 17, instructs councils to adopt a "default yes" approach to housing developments within a reasonable walking distance of well-connected train stations. The government describes the move as "common sense" and says it is "full steam ahead" on loosening planning rules around transport hubs.
Concerns over green belt stations
The ruling Conservative group on Solihull Council has highlighted that there are 11 railway stations in the borough, many of them close to "valued green spaces." Earlswood, Berkswell and Widney Manor are among the stations with green belt land surrounding or very close by.
Blythe councillor Simon Coles, who sits on the authority's planning committee, said: "Many of our communities could find themselves facing significantly greater development pressure as a direct result of national planning policy.
"We absolutely recognise the need for new homes. But they must be the right homes, in the right places. Good public transport links should be part of sensible planning, but proximity to a railway station should not become an automatic justification for high-density development regardless of the impact on the surrounding community or green belt."
Local plan in development
The changes come at a time the authority is developing its new draft local plan, a blueprint shaping the future of development in the borough. Residents have been vocal against building on the green belt after an independent study recently identified more than 70 sites in the borough as areas of potential grey belt, which is green belt suitable for development.
"We want to make sensible decisions about the future of our borough, taking account of local circumstances and the character and environment of our communities," the councillor said. "Solihull Conservatives will do everything we can to protect our borough from inappropriate and excessive development."
Government defends policy
Housing Secretary Angela Rayner defended the policy, saying: "Too many people are being priced out of the communities where they want to live and work. By unlocking thousands of homes around well-connected transport hubs, we're helping people live closer to work, school and the services they rely on, while backing local businesses and driving growth in our communities.
"That's how we'll tackle the housing crisis and raise living standards for people in every corner of the country."
The revised NPPF will now guide Solihull Council's planning decisions as it continues work on its local plan, with the potential for increased development pressure around the borough's railway stations.
