A property developer has revealed ambitious proposals to construct 300 new homes on green belt land bordering the picturesque West Midlands village of Knowle in Solihull.
Details of the Golden End Farm Proposal
The plans, put forward by developer Richborough, focus on land at Golden End Farm, situated north of Kenilworth Road. The company points out that the site was previously designated as an 'amber' site for housing in Solihull Council's draft local plan supplementary consultation back in 2019. This classification indicated the location was considered highly accessible and close to local services, with potential for residential development.
Beyond the housing, Richborough's vision includes several community benefits designed to mitigate the impact and enhance local infrastructure. These proposals feature:
- A new community park.
- A dedicated sports pitch.
- A foot and cycle path along the Grand Union Canal.
- A small car park off Kixley Lane, intended to reduce congestion around Knowle Primary Academy during peak times.
Seeking Community Feedback Before Application
While a formal planning application has not yet been submitted to Solihull Council, Richborough has launched a public consultation to gather local opinions. Residents are encouraged to visit the dedicated website, richborough-knowle.co.uk, to review the emerging plans and provide feedback.
A spokesperson for Richborough stated: "We're delighted to share our emerging plans for land off Kenilworth Road. This development represents a real opportunity to meet local housing needs in a way that respects the character of Knowle and delivers lasting benefits for the community." They emphasised the desire for the plans to reflect local priorities, inviting input on housing types, transport investment, and public space design.
Broader Context: Green Belt and Housing Targets
The proposal arrives amidst ongoing national and local debates over housing and green belt protection. The UK government has a commitment to build 1.5 million homes during this parliament, with Solihull borough assigned a target of 8,500. Development on so-called 'grey belt' land has become a particularly hot topic in the area.
In a related move last year, Solihull Council made headlines by deciding to treat Knowle, Dorridge, and Bentley Heath as a single settlement for planning purposes. This strategic decision aims to use the green belt's function of preventing urban sprawl to protect the land between these now-combined communities, effectively helping to safeguard the green belt from merging villages.
The consultation for the Golden End Farm project is now live, marking a critical step before any formal planning submission is made to the local authority.
