More than 70 green belt sites within the Solihull borough have been identified as potential ‘grey belt’ land, according to a recent assessment commissioned by Solihull Council. However, the council emphasises that this identification does not guarantee these sites will be developed.
As part of preparing a new local plan-a comprehensive strategy outlining future development across the borough-the council engaged independent consultants Arup to carry out an updated green belt assessment (GBA).
In total, Arup assessed 99 parcels of land across Solihull, focusing on areas adjacent to major built-up zones and towns, such as Solihull, Shirley, Knowle, Dorridge, Bentley Heath, Balsall Common, and parts bordering Coventry. The assessment found 66 parcels making a strong or moderate contribution to the green belt function, primarily serving to prevent unrestricted urban sprawl and the merging of neighbouring communities.
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“The identification of potential grey belt land does not mean those areas are suitable for development,” said Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, cabinet member for climate change and planning, who highlighted that the grey belt designation is part of the evidence base informing the local plan, not a policy decision.
Meanwhile, 72 parcels were identified as potential grey belt, referring to portions of green belt land considered to be of lower value in terms of preventing urban sprawl and safeguarding countryside from encroachment. Notably, areas around inset villages scored highly for openness and countryside protection yet were still flagged as potential grey belt.
Four regions within the borough have been designated as having fundamental importance to the green belt: three are located within the Meriden Gap, the extensive green space separating Solihull and Coventry, and one lies to the south-southwest of Shirley.
The council’s statement clarifies that this assessment serves as evidence for the emerging local plan and does not itself establish development policies. Decisions on releasing green belt land for development will be made through the local plan process, which incorporates public consultation and examination by an independent government-appointed inspector.
At present, Solihull Council is not seeking public comments specifically on the GBA. Instead, residents and stakeholders will have opportunities to provide feedback during future consultation phases of the local plan.
Councillor Mackiewicz added: “Publishing the GBA ahead of the next stage allows residents and interested parties additional time to understand the information before the consultation begins.”
This assessment forms part of the council’s efforts to meet the government target of constructing 8,500 new homes in Solihull by 2029, aligning with national housing development objectives while aiming to balance growth with green belt protection.