A major housing development proposal to build around 1,200 homes on green belt land in Shirley has been approved by Solihull Council’s planning committee, despite concerns from local residents and councillors.
The double application, reviewed at the December 10 meeting, came from Richborough Homes and Taylor Wimpey. Richborough sought permission to construct 550 homes near Dog Kennel Lane and Stratford Road, including public open spaces, children’s play areas, and walking and cycling routes. Taylor Wimpey applied to build 700 homes south of Dog Kennel Lane, alongside plans for a primary school, a care/retirement facility, and a commercial centre.
Residents expressed strong opposition during the consultation phase. Many objected to developing green belt land and urged prioritizing previously developed sites. Community concerns also focused on increased pressure on local amenities, healthcare, and shops caused by the influx of new residents.
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At the meeting, planning officer Becky Matravers acknowledged the applicants had presented a comprehensive case of “very special circumstances” to justify building on protected green belt land. Cheswick Green parish councillor Simon Cole voiced community apprehension about the scale and impact of the developments but stopped short of opposing new housing outright.
Councillor Keith Green suggested pausing the decision until Solihull’s overarching housing strategy was finalized. However, Councillor Richard Holt argued the development was in the right location and necessary to meet housing needs, stating, “We have to accept some development… this will enable us to say we have done our bit.”
Among the concerns raised were infrastructural impacts, cycling connectivity challenges, potential flooding, and proximity to Cheswick Green. Councillor Sardul Marwa reflected on longstanding green belt protection discussions but questioned the repeated invocation of “very special circumstances” to permit development.
Committee chairman Councillor Bob Grinsell summarized the dilemma: while these sites are within the green belt, the applicants appeared to have met the government’s revised planning criteria. He admitted finding it “very difficult to find planning reasons to refuse these applications” under current regulations.
Ultimately, the majority of committee members voted to grant outline planning permission to both housing projects, subject to conditions. The developers will now submit reserved matters applications detailing specifics such as layout and design for further approval.