Senior figures at Solihull Council have expressed their commitment to delivering a comprehensive housing blueprint for the borough, yet significant uncertainty persists regarding whether the government's strict December 2026 deadline can realistically be met. Council Leader Karen Grinsell and Cabinet Member for Planning Andy Mackiewicz have formally raised the question of whether this cut-off date possesses any inherent flexibility in correspondence with a government minister.
Long-Running Saga Over Local Plan Development
The creation of Solihull's local plan, a critical document that guides planning decisions once adopted, has been characterised by years of protracted disagreement between the local authority and central government. The planning landscape itself has undergone substantial recent changes, including the imposition of a target to construct 8,500 new homes by 2029 and the introduction of the 'grey belt' concept for lower-quality green belt land.
Disputes and Setbacks in the Process
A major point of contention has revolved around the Planning Inspectorate's stance on locating approximately 2,000 additional homes intended to address housing needs stemming from the wider Birmingham area. This dispute culminated last year in councillors agreeing to withdraw a draft plan after direct intervention from the inspectorate.
Compounding these challenges is the ongoing national overhaul of plan-making arrangements, with new systems scheduled to take effect in 2027. This creates a narrow window for Solihull to adopt a plan under the current, or 'legacy', system.
Government Disappointment and Council Response
Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook recently described the council's withdrawal from its previous submission commitment as "disappointing". In a letter, he emphasised that "getting a plan in place as soon as possible provides the most effective protection against speculative development." He urged the council to apply lessons learned to expedite a new plan.
In a joint reply dated January 21, Councillors Grinsell and Mackiewicz acknowledged the setback, stating the withdrawal represented a "lost opportunity." They outlined the council's position at a crossroads, given the evolving national policy context.
Commitment Amidst Uncertainty
The leaders confirmed the council will proceed with an upcoming 'issues and options' consultation and prepare for a further Regulation 19 consultation later in the year. However, they struck a cautious note, admitting that "whilst we work towards this aim we cannot be certain it will be met, despite best efforts."
Directly addressing the deadline, they sought clarification: "If there are exceptional circumstances that arise towards the end of the process it would be helpful to understand if a degree of flexibility could be applied to this (December 31) date."
Path Forward for Solihull's Housing Needs
In a public statement, Council Leader Grinsell reaffirmed the authority's core objective: "Our priority remains clear: to put a robust and deliverable local plan in place as soon as possible, one that meets Solihull’s needs while protecting what makes our borough special." The immediate next step involves launching the foundational public consultation to gather resident and stakeholder input on the key issues and potential options for the borough's future development.
