Solihull MP Condemns Proposed Housing Development on Bentley Heath Farmland

A controversial proposal to build nearly 300 homes on agricultural land in Bentley Heath has sparked strong opposition from local residents and Solihull’s Member of Parliament, Saqib Bhatti.

Earlier this year, UKLD (Bentley Heath) Limited submitted an outline planning application for the development of up to 285 dwellings on a 14.98-hectare plot situated between Widney Manor Road and Browns Lane. The plan also includes 50% affordable housing, over a hectare of land designated for sports pitches, and more than six hectares of public open space.

According to the planning statement prepared by agents Savills, the applicant argues that the site qualifies as grey belt land and asserts that any concerns about green belt status should be outweighed by the significant benefits of the scheme. The proposal envisions the development as a natural extension to the existing settlement and claims to be compatible with the surrounding area’s character.

However, this view is met with strong resistance. Saqib Bhatti, MP for Meriden and Solihull East, has formally objected to the plans, describing them as “fundamentally inappropriate and unjustified” given the location and cumulative scale of development pressures across Knowle, Dorridge, and Bentley Heath. Bhatti emphasizes that the site comprises protected green belt farmland, currently used for agriculture, and highlights concerns that the increased housing would cause significant traffic congestion on already strained local roads. He also points out that the scheme lacks demonstrated infrastructure improvements necessary for sustainable growth.

The MP’s objection echoes the sentiments of many residents who have reached out to express alarm about the proposal.

The consultation period for the application runs until Wednesday, April 1. Interested parties can view the plans and submit their comments by searching for application PL/2026/00149/PPOL on the Solihull Council’s planning portal.