Government removes block on building 6,000 homes on greenbelt land

PLANS for 6,000 homes on greenbelt land in Sutton Coldfield can now be brought forward after the Government ended its investigation into the scheme.

The Langley Sustainable Urban Extension would see 6,000 houses and an industrial estate developed as part of the 15-year Birmingham Development Plan.

Local opposition had forced the Government to look more closely at the plans, but Housing Minister Gavin Barwell has now lifted the Holding Direction.

Waheed Nazir, strategic director of economy at Birmingham City Council, said: “Removing the Holding Direction is an important decision both for the city and the wider UK in terms of our ability to deliver housing growth. We therefore welcome the Secretary of State’s endorsement of the Plan and recognition we have taken a robust approach that is consistent with national policy.”

The Birmingham Development Plan sets out proposals to address the city’s housing crisis by building 51,000 homes in Birmingham. It is expected to be formally adopted by Birmingham City Council early next year.

Mr Barwell said he agreed the scale of unmet housing demand in Birmingham was “exceptional and possibly unique”.

Research by the council concluded that 89,000 new homes are required over the next 15 years to address an acute housing shortage and meet the needs of Birmingham’s growing population.

Cllr John Clancy, the leader of Birmingham City Council, added: “This is excellent news because it means we can now get on with the vital task of building homes and delivering the jobs that our fast-growing population so desperately needs.

“This is an ambitious plan for growth which will deliver 51,100 new homes and significant new employment opportunities. It is an important step forward that, having reviewed the robustness of Plan, the Government has supported the conclusions of the Planning Inspector and recognised the need to release Green Belt to help meet our housing and employment land needs.”