Solihull Council’s leadership has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a comprehensive housing blueprint for the borough, yet uncertainty looms over meeting the government’s rigid December 31, 2026 deadline.
Council leader Karen Grinsell and Cabinet Member for Planning, Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, have formally queried the government about potential flexibility regarding this deadline, highlighting the complex challenges facing the local plan’s completion.
The Solihull local plan, once adopted, will serve as the cornerstone for planning application decisions throughout the borough. However, its development has been mired in conflict between the council and national government for several years.
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Recent changes in the national planning system, including Solihull’s government-imposed target to build 8,500 new homes by 2029 and the introduction of the “grey belt” category—referring to lower quality green belt land earmarked for housing—have intensified the debate.
A key point of contention has been the inspectorate’s recommendations on where to accommodate approximately 2,000 additional homes, aimed at addressing housing demands from the broader Birmingham area.
Last year, Solihull councillors took the significant step of withdrawing a draft plan after the inspectorate advised that it needed to be reconsidered. This setback underscores the ongoing uncertainties.
Complicating matters further are impending national policy changes to local plan-making processes set to take effect in 2027, which place additional pressures on the council to finalize its plan under the current regulations.
In a recent letter, Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister of State for Housing and Planning, expressed disappointment over the council’s hesitation to commit to the December 2026 submission. He emphasized that a timely local plan is crucial to safeguarding against speculative developments.
Responding jointly on January 21, Councillors Grinsell and Mackiewicz acknowledged the lost opportunity caused by withdrawing the advanced draft plan. They noted the evolving national context and recognized that while the council aims to publish a regulation 19 consultation later this year, meeting the year-end deadline cannot be guaranteed despite their efforts.
They requested clarity on whether exceptional circumstances might allow some leniency with the deadline.
Council leader Grinsell reiterated the council’s dedication to launching an issues and options consultation imminently. She emphasized their priority: to establish a robust, achievable local plan that balances Solihull’s development needs with the preservation of the borough’s unique character.