Residents near a site recently classified as ‘grey belt’ in Solihull have voiced strong concerns about insufficient infrastructure to accommodate an increased population. This follows the publication of an updated green belt assessment identifying 72 potential ‘grey belt’ locations, which Solihull Council emphasises are not all slated for development.
The term ‘grey belt’ pertains to sections of protected green belt land considered to be of lower quality or value, potentially suitable for building. The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) spoke with locals living adjacent to a proposed grey belt area south of Dickens Heath and east of Tidbury Green to gather their perspectives.
Lloyd Hudson, a Norton Lane resident of over 50 years, expressed his frustration: “The infrastructure isn’t capable of handling what is here now. Unless there are major improvements, development is going to be problematic. You won’t find anyone in favour of these houses being built.”
Another resident from Norton Lane questioned the classification: “I’m absolutely disgusted. I don’t understand how they grow crops like corn and wheat round here-how is that land grey belt? We have experienced flooding before; if green belt is built on, the water runoff will only worsen, and that’s what worries me.”
A further neighbour noted their concern about traffic, saying, “We are resigned that some homes will be built. In the nine years we’ve lived here, traffic has increased substantially. People cut through our area to access the M42, especially when roads close elsewhere. If hundreds of houses are constructed, with many families owning multiple cars, the extra traffic will be significant.”
Chris Pugh-Zange, who has helped launch a campaign against development, commented, “We have been actively working to protect the green belt, the wildlife, and this small village. It simply wouldn’t support hundreds of new homes. After rain, you need a 4x4 to get through many country lanes here.”
A resident of Rumbush Lane voiced strong objections: “We strongly object to building here. They say new residents will use the railway stations, but trains only come once an hour. There is no adequate infrastructure.” Another neighbour added, “I share the opinion of most residents that this is a farming area.”
Similar concerns were expressed recently by residents of nearby Balsall Common.
Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, cabinet member for climate change and planning, clarified the council’s stance: “Decisions about whether any sites should be released from the green belt for future development will be made through the local plan process. Identifying potential grey belt land does not imply these areas are suitable for development, nor that entire parcels will be considered. By publishing this assessment ahead of the next local plan stage, we hope residents and interested parties have ample time to consider the content prior to consultation.”