A significant step has been taken towards shaping Solihull’s future development, as the draft local plan outlining proposals for housing and infrastructure up to 2043 has moved forward. However, opposition councillors have voiced concerns over the expedite schedule, warning it may limit thorough scrutiny.
The comprehensive 200-page draft plan sets out how the borough could accommodate up to 21,913 new homes between 2026 and 2043, including meeting the government’s target of 8,500 homes by 2029. This follows a previous plan being withdrawn after significant national planning policy changes.
A key policy within the draft states that the council will identify sufficient land for at least 13,096 net additional homes, acknowledging that some development will impact current green belt areas.
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On 29 September, councillors scrutinised the plan across two meetings exceeding four hours. Mark Andrews, Solihull’s head of planning, design and engagement services, outlined the challenges, stating the plan has been developed on an “accelerated and challenging timescale” following ministerial guidance to finalise it by the end of this year. He admitted some sections are less refined than desired but maintained that the core components are sound and meet legal requirements.
The intention is to submit the plan before the end of the year, with public examination expected in spring 2024, followed by potential modifications and adoption aiming for early 2028. Andrews cautioned that failing to adopt a plan would expose the council to speculative developments.
Councillor Samantha Gethen, leader of Reform UK, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of detailed information regarding the locations for the proposed 13,000 homes on green belt land, emphasising the need for specificity to allow the public to fully understand the impact on green spaces. The planning officer acknowledged that not all evidence is currently in the public domain but assured it would be published with the formal consultation, pending full council approval.
Councillor Max McLoughlin, leader of the Green group, echoed concerns over insufficient evidence available to meet government policy requirements, highlighting the importance of adequate scrutiny.
In response, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Planning Councillor Andy Mackiewicz stressed the urgency of adopting the plan, warning that without it, Solihull could face a three-year period lacking any planning framework, potentially resulting in uncontrolled development. He emphasised the difficult choice faced but underlined the necessity of progressing the plan for the borough’s benefit.
Gethen voiced unease over the pressured timeline, feeling there is a push to gain agreement without adequate consideration. Liberal Democrat group leader Councillor Ade Adeyemo also highlighted the essential role of scrutiny in this process.
During the subsequent cabinet meeting, McLoughlin reiterated the challenges posed by limited evidence and the pressure to accept the plan. Council leader Councillor Karen Grinsell acknowledged the robust scrutiny undertaken and reiterated the need for a local plan. She confirmed that the evidence base would be made available during the six-week public consultation period.
Ultimately, the cabinet endorsed the draft local plan and recommended its approval at the upcoming full council meeting on Tuesday, 6 October, moving the borough closer to finalising a key blueprint for its growth.