The years-long debate over Solihull Council’s ambitious housing plan has taken an unexpected turn following a recent letter from the government.
Solihull’s local plan, a crucial document that guides planning decisions once adopted, has been under development since 2022. However, tensions between the Conservative-led council and the government’s planning inspectorate have persisted, particularly around the location of approximately 2,000 additional homes needed to address housing demands across the wider Birmingham region.
Last year, the council withdrew its draft plan after the planning inspectorate expressed significant concerns, marking a major setback to the process. Changes to the national planning system, including a new target requiring Solihull to deliver 8,500 homes by 2029 and the introduction of a “grey belt” category—lower-quality green belt land deemed suitable for development—have since complicated matters further.
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At a recent cabinet meeting, Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, the cabinet portfolio holder for planning, revealed that Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister of State for Housing and Planning, had sent a letter addressing the council’s progress. With national plan-making arrangements set to change in 2027, transitional provisions currently allow local authorities to finalize plans under the existing system if completed by the end of 2026.
“The minister’s letter expresses disappointment that the council has not committed to submitting a plan by December 2026,” Councillor Mackiewicz reported. Additionally, the planning inspectorate has been asked to conduct an “advisory visit” to Solihull.
Councillor Mackiewicz emphasized that work on the local plan continues actively, dispelling any notion of inaction. Council Leader Karen Grinsell affirmed that despite the letter, the council remains focused on progressing the plan and aims to launch a six-week public consultation on key issues and options in early 2026.
Opposition voices, however, caution against haste. Green Party Councillor Max McLoughlin warned, “Rushing this is the worst of all worlds. The consequences of an ill-thought-out local plan will have to be lived with forever.” In response, the leader acknowledged the gravity of the housing targets, describing them as “huge.”
Deputy Leader Councillor Ian Courts highlighted the risk rapid changes pose to Solihull’s cherished green belt, calling the reforms “an existential threat” and noting that green belt terminology has remained unchanged since World War II. Reform Councillor Michael Gough stressed the importance of broad public engagement during consultations, emphasizing that communication is vital.
At the December 11 cabinet meeting held at the Civic Suite, senior councillors agreed to move forward with the planned consultation process, reaffirming their commitment to crafting a local plan that balances housing needs with the protection of Solihull’s green spaces.