Plans to release large sections of Sutton Coldfield's protected Green Belt for thousands of new homes and industrial units have been met with fierce opposition, with local Conservative councillors branding the proposals an 'attack on the town'.
What the Birmingham Local Plan Proposes
Birmingham City Council is currently consulting on its Focused Preferred Options document, which outlines potential development sites across the city for the next two decades, up to 2044. A striking 17 sites within Sutton Coldfield's Green Belt have been identified for potential release.
This includes 15 areas proposed for housing, some of which encompass parts of country parks and golf courses, and two sites earmarked for industrial use. A Green Belt assessment conducted by consultancy Arup for the council suggests many of these sites could be classified as 'grey belt' – land within the Green Belt that has been previously developed – or land that no longer satisfies the core purposes of Green Belt protection.
Local Leaders Voice Outrage and Urge Public Action
The leader of Sutton Coldfield Town Council, Conservative councillor Simon Ward, did not mince his words. "This is the potential opening of a door that could well lead to the loss of more of our Green Belt," he stated. "If something is designated as grey belt, it's another step toward it being lost. Birmingham has enough space for its housing needs to 2044." He emphasised that the town's green character is residents' top priority and labelled the plan an "absolute attack" on that.
Fellow town councillor Richard Parkin pointed the finger at recent changes to the government's National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which he says puts the Green Belt at 'considerable risk'. "This is essentially a back door route for destroying the green belt and building new homes," he argued. Both councillors are urging residents to make their objections heard.
Existing Developments and the Fight Ahead
The controversy comes as major developments on former Green Belt land in the area are already underway. 5,500 homes are approved at Langley near Walmley, and the Peddimore site near Minworth is now occupied by Amazon for industrial use. The town council has formally objected to the new proposals, with its head of regeneration, Jon Lord, stating there is "no need identified for any additional housing to justify the release of Green Belt."
Following lobbying by Coun Parkin, the consultation deadline has been extended to Friday, December 19, 2025. Sutton Coldfield MP Andrew Mitchell confirmed he will be responding to the consultation and encouraged constituents to do the same. Residents can submit comments by emailing planningstrategy@birmingham.gov.uk, including their full name and address. This is not the final plan, with a draft Birmingham Local Plan expected for further consultation in June 2024.
