Solihull Council's planning committee has approved outline planning permission for 110 new homes to be built on Rumbush Lane in Tidbury Green, despite a request to postpone the decision.
Ward councillor Keith Green urged the committee to hold off making a decision, citing concerns that the development would see green belt land built on due to the lack of a local plan. "I want to be clear residents are not opposed to appropriate development, they recognise the need for new homes but they want them to be delivered in the right locations," he said.
Developer investment promised
The developers have committed to spending over £4m on community infrastructure in the area. This investment includes improvements to schools, GPs and transport, as well as benefits for Leafield Athletic FC.
Simon Birley, from Leafield Athletic FC, told the committee the investment would make a "massive difference" to the club and secure its long-term future. The funding will support a new football pitch, a car park and improved access.
Local plan still in development
Solihull Council is currently drafting a new local plan covering housing from 2026 to 2043, which will guide where new homes, employment land and infrastructure should be built across the borough.
Gary Stephens, from planning agents Marrons representing the applicant, said approving the plans would not prejudice or pre-determine decisions the council would make when drawing up the new local plan.
The committee chairman, councillor Bob Grinsell, said postponing the decision risked the application not being determined and the council having to pay costs. "We have an application before us, we have to make a decision," he said.
Mark Andrews, the council's head of planning, acknowledged the timing. "In an ideal world you may have a local plan that steers some of this development, but that is not where we are at the moment. The local plan is still in development."