Prime development site sold to housebuilder in ‘record-breaking’ deal

A PRIME residential development site in Solihull has been transacted in an undisclosed deal advised out of Birmingham.

The Land and Development team at Bilfinger GVA, acting on behalf of Lioncourt Strategic Land, completed the sale of the 34-acre site to Bellway Homes in what the latter has described as a “record-breaking purchase”.

The property firm had enhanced the appeal of the Tidbury Green Farm site by securing planning consent ahead of the sale.

Just six miles from Solihull town centre and three miles from Junction 3 of the M42, the site has outline planning permission for 190 houses and the homes are expected to be in high demand once development begins.

Mark Birks, director in the Land and Development team, said: “This is one of the best sites in and around Solihull.

“There was significant interest from a number of housebuilders and we are pleased to have secured such as well-known and highly regarded development partner to help bring forward a site that will prove to be significant in supporting Solihull’s growing housing requirement.”

Previously earmarked in the Solihull Local Plan for incorporation into the Green Belt, Lioncourt Strategic Land and Bilfinger GVA successfully overturned the ruling, ensuring that it remained a viable site for development.

Andy Faizey, land director at Lioncourt, said: “With a sought after rural location, this site offers substantial potential for the development of new homes and will support Solihull’s aspirations for growth.

“The cross-discipline approach offered by Bilfinger GVA, with tremendous support from their planning team, has been instrumental in enabling us to bring this development opportunity to the market smoothly and swiftly.”  

Bilfinger GVA’s Planning, Development and Regeneration team successfully challenged the Local Plan in the High Court, removing the land from the Green Belt and securing planning permission on appeal to the Secretary of State.

Bellway said in a statement: “This is a record-breaking purchase for our Tamworth office and we are genuinely delighted with the site, which provides the perfect combination of access to amenities and transport links.

“We are now focussed on ensuring the delivery of this important (site) is in keeping with the existing village and surroundings while providing an attractive residential opportunity.”