Proposals to develop large portions of Sutton Coldfield’s Green Belt—including plans for thousands of new homes and industrial sites—have been met with strong opposition, described by local leaders as an “attack on the town.”
Birmingham City Council is currently consulting on a draft plan that identifies potential development sites across the city for the next two decades, up to 2044. The plan includes 15 Green Belt sites within Sutton Coldfield, encompassing country parks, golf courses, and extensive land on the town’s outskirts. These sites could be transformed into housing estates or industrial areas.
An assessment conducted by Arup for the council indicated that many of these lands are classified as ‘grey belt’—previously developed Green Belt land—or areas that do not fully meet the established purposes of Green Belt protection.
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Of the 19 Green Belt sites proposed citywide for house building, more than three-quarters are in Sutton Coldfield. Likewise, both sites earmarked for industrial development fall within the town’s boundaries.
The issue follows the approval of 5,500 new homes at Langley, a former Green Belt area near Walmley, where construction has yet to begin. Additionally, Peddimore, another redeveloped Green Belt site adjacent to Minworth, is now occupied by Amazon’s industrial facility.
Simon Ward, leader of Sutton Coldfield Town Council and Conservative councillor for Four Oaks, condemned the proposals as a direct threat to the area’s green spaces. He expressed concern that classifying land as grey belt could pave the way for further encroachment on the Green Belt, despite Birmingham’s existing capacity to meet housing targets without sacrificing more green areas.
Ward emphasized that local residents highly value Sutton Coldfield’s natural environment. “This is an absolute attack on that,” he said, reflecting feedback from thousands of respondents in a recent consultation about local spending priorities.
Richard Parkin, town councillor for Reddicap ward, also criticized the plans. He pointed to recent changes in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which alter how housing needs are calculated and require Green Belt reviews. Parkin warned that these revisions risk reclassifying protected land as developable, undermining the unique green character of Sutton Coldfield.
“The Green Belt is at considerable risk,” Parkin stated. “If you oppose these changes, please make your voice heard.”
Sutton Coldfield Town Council has formally objected to the development proposals. Jon Lord, the council’s head of regeneration and sustainability, highlighted that no current housing demand justifies releasing additional Green Belt land. He called the grey belt designation unsustainable and stressed the need for significant investment in sustainable transport infrastructure to support any future development.
Both Coun Ward and Tony Briggs, chair of the town council’s planning and highways committee, have written strongly worded objections to Birmingham City Council concerning the Green Belt Assessment and the 15 potentially affected sites.
Sutton Coldfield’s Member of Parliament, Andrew Mitchell, confirmed he will be responding to the consultation and encouraged constituents to participate. Thanks to lobbying efforts by Coun Parkin, the consultation deadline has been extended to Friday, December 19.
Residents wishing to comment on the proposals can email [email protected] with their full name and address. It is important to note that this consultation is part of a preliminary phase, with the final Birmingham Local Plan scheduled for publication next June, followed by another six-week consultation period.