The first stage in preparing a new Local Plan for Solihull has begun, through a call-for-sites exercise.
This was an opportunity for site owners, promoters or other stakeholders to identify what land is available in the borough for potential inclusion in the Council’s Local Plan.
The exercise was conducted over a two-month period, from the end of November 2024 to the end of January 2025 and resulted in over 300 sites being suggested for potential development.
It is important to note that this is a land availability exercise, and it does not necessarily mean that these sites are suitable for development. Through the plan-making process, the Council will determine how much growth should be included in the plan, and where it should be located.
The Council has published an online interactive map and schedule of all the sites that have been submitted, so that those interested in the plan-making process can see what land is being promoted for inclusion in the plan. This does not mean that the Council has concluded that the sites are appropriate for development, merely that it recognises that the site may be available.
The next stage will be for the Council to consult on a preferred option for the new plan, which is expected to take place before the end of the year.
Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Planning, said:
“The new Government has imposed higher housing targets on us, as a result of the new national planning policy. This has resulted in a huge response for new sites.
“At this stage, it is important to stress that the Council has not concluded that these sites are appropriate for development, merely that it recognises that the site may be available.
“The Council will undertake a thorough review of the sites before concluding which ones may be considered suitable for development.
“In the meantime, and to be open and transparent with the process, we have published all the suggestions made to us via a user-friendly online mapping system. I would encourage all those interested in the plan-making process to take a look.
“The new Local Plan for Solihull will have some difficult decisions to make in light of the significant levels of growth that the borough is now expected to accommodate. We will focus on providing homes for local people so they can remain in Solihull when they want to get on the housing ladder.
“However, we remain committed to protecting what makes Solihull special, and that includes the Green Belt. Where development does take place, we will expect it to be high quality with an emphasis on green and social infrastructure, accessibility and biodiversity enhancements.”