More than 200 objections were sent to Solihull planners urging them to refuse permission for 99 new homes in a rural village, it has been revealed. But despite the widespread opposition to the new estate – proposed to be built on land south of School Road, Hockley Heath – Solihull Council officers are still recommending it gets planning permission.
As the Local Democracy Reporting Service previously reported, applicant Nurton Developments Ltd is behind the proposal for the homes, which include a mix of one, two, three and four bedroom properties as well as five and six unit apartments. The developer says half of the homes would be affordable if planners give the green light.
Consultants Chave Planning Limited highlighted in the planning application that the authority has a “substantial unmet need for housing”, saying this site is “in a sustainable location” adding: “the overall planning balance would indicate planning permission should be granted.”
But it has emerged in a public consultation held earlier this year that a staggering 234 objections were made from 150 different addresses in the area. There have also been objections from Hockley Heath Parish Council, Saqib Bhatti MP, and Hockley Heath Action Group.
Key Issues Raised
A report by officers for Solihull Council’s planning committee lists more than 80 different issues raised, including:
- Erosion of green belt is unacceptable
- Impact on public services such as schools and healthcare
- Lack of parking spaces
- Drains locally already cannot cope
- Will destroy character of village of Hockley Heath
Officers note just one letter of support was submitted to the authority. In the report, officers say the applicant has put forward a “comprehensive case of very special circumstances for the proposed development” outweighing harm to the green belt and recommend the scheme is approved, subject to conditions.
The layout, scale, landscaping, and appearance of the dwellings would form a ‘reserved matters’ application which would be submitted if outline planning permission is granted. The committee will make their decision at the next meeting of the planning committee being held on May 27.
The meeting, which is taking place at the Civic Suite, is open to the public and starts at 6pm. To view the plans, search for application PL/2025/00879/PPOL at https://publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk/online-applications.
