Solihull Council leader Karen Grinsell has defended plans to build 1,600 homes in the town centre, responding to resident concerns the scheme could create a "ghost town".
The development, called Holbeche Place, will be built on the former Mell Square site and will include shops and restaurants alongside the new homes.
Speaking on BBC Radio WM's Hot Seat segment, Grinsell said the scheme combines town centre living with commercial needs. "If we don't put housing in town centres, where they are easily accessible, we are going to have to end up building housing on our green spaces," she said. "We don't want to do that, so to be able to put more housing in the town centre is part of the solution."
Design and parking concerns
Some residents have criticised the designs as "bland, with limited parking". Grinsell responded by highlighting changes in retail, noting that companies now want smaller units that can sit on ground floors with housing above.
On car parking, Grinsell said Solihull is "well connected" with "easy access routes in and out of, with the bus services and the train station" and "active travel options". She stated that while there is a reduction in parking spaces, "there's only 546 parking spaces reduced".
Project timeline and phases
Plans were originally submitted for the scheme last year and approved by the council in February. The neighbourhood will be delivered by developers Muse in partnership with Solihull Council over the next 10 years in multiple phases.
The first phases will include 346 build-to-rent homes, followed by 228 affordable homes. Solihull Council said the development would strengthen the town centre's position as "one of the UK's most resilient and high-performing town centres".
The proposals include new homes, retail space, food and drink venues and public areas designed to keep the town centre busy throughout the day and evening.
