A senior councillor in Solihull has urged the council to approve the draft local plan, warning that a delay could result in a loss of control over development in the borough.
The draft plan, which sets the framework for development up to 2043 and proposes the delivery of 13,000 homes, is due to be considered by the full council on October 6 after receiving endorsement from the cabinet. The government requires the plan to be submitted before the end of the year, leading to a tight schedule.
Approval of the plan is not guaranteed, as the Conservative party no longer holds a majority following recent local elections, making each vote crucial. Once approved, the plan will be subject to public consultation, with a public examination planned for late spring and adoption targeted for early 2028.
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Concerns have been expressed about the accelerated timetable. Opposition leader Councillor Samantha Gethen described the process as hurried, suggesting councillors are being pressured to agree to the plan. Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, cabinet portfolio holder for climate change and planning, warned that failing to approve the plan would result in three years without a formal planning framework. He said, “That’s three years of developers rubbing their hands saying ‘yipee’ - a free-for-all. It’s a simple choice. I know it’s not an easy choice but we have got to get the plan through for the benefit of our borough.”
In a further statement, Councillor Mackiewicz emphasised the risks of delay, stating that despite the challenging timetable imposed by central government, rejecting progress would cede more control away from Solihull. He added, “Our priority is to put the strongest possible plan in place for Solihull – giving us greater protection against speculative development, protecting the places our residents value and making sure development is supported by the infrastructure our communities need.”
The full council meeting, which is open to the public, will be held at the Civic Suite starting at 5pm on October 6.