Solihull Riding Club, located on Four Ashes Road in Knowle, has unveiled plans for a significant expansion that includes new indoor sports facilities. The club, which has been a cornerstone of the equestrian community for over 75 years, aims to capitalize on the residential growth in the village.
Expansion Details
Applicant Amanda Seabright has submitted a planning application to Solihull Council for a new structure measuring 40 meters by 20 meters, with a height of 8.5 meters. The building will house four indoor multi-sport racket courts and a social area for drinks and alcoholic beverages. According to the planning statement, the venue will be entirely indoor, ensuring that building lighting does not disturb the surrounding area. The rural location and the nature of the sports offered are not expected to cause additional noise pollution.
Sports and Facilities
The courts will support three primary racket sports: pickleball, typti (a hybrid of tennis and badminton), and badminton. The social area will also offer table tennis and table football. The applicant promises affordable pricing with a pay-and-play model, featuring peak and off-peak rates. The project expects an average attendance of around 135 people over a 14-hour trading day.
Community Impact
The expansion is designed to complement the growing number of homes in Knowle. Recent housing developments include Taylor Wimpey's 200-home project approved in December and Kler Group's 151-home plan greenlit in February. The riding club aims to become a dedicated hub for local players and the wider Solihull region, providing additional social leisure facilities for the expanding community.
Consultation and Next Steps
Local residents can view the plans and submit comments by searching for application PL/2026/00995/PPFL on the Solihull Council planning portal. The consultation is now open, with a closing date for submissions on June 24. The club operates as a not-for-profit organization, and the new facilities are intended to enhance its existing services.
