Solihull Council partners with affordable housebuilder for new development

Solihull Council has partnered with affordable housebuilder Vistry Group for a new housing development.

The project will feature 177 new homes on the site of the former Simon Digby School in Chelmsley Wood, which was designated for housing in the adopted 2013 Solihull Local Plan.

It will offer 100% affordable housing, including two, three, and four-bedroom family homes, as well as one-bedroom maisonettes.

Each home will be constructed with panels that produce 14,460 kg CO2e less than traditional brick houses, enhancing energy efficiency and helping future residents reduce their fuel bills.

Councillor Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council, said: “Appointing Vistry as our development partner for this
crucial project is a huge step towards utilising the full potential of the former Simon Digby School site. We’ve
undertaken a lot of work to set the stage for this and now we can finally crack on with delivering affordable
and sustainable homes critical to meeting the borough’s housing needs.

“These 177 homes won’t just be a collection of new houses but a thriving, well-integrated new community at
the heart of Chelmsley Wood, perfectly positioned to benefit from the economic opportunities associated
with the arrival of the HS2 interchange and the rest of the UK Central Hub.”

Councillor Mark Parker, cabinet member for housing, said: “Here in Solihull, we’re serious about stepping
up to the challenge of building the new homes our residents need while also setting the highest quality
threshold for energy efficiency and sustainability.

“Mirroring the fantastic work already underway just up the road in Kingshurst, this scheme will help deliver
on both our housing targets and climate change commitments. Once built, the scheme will deliver a biodiversity net gain through key design features such as green landscaping and a dedicated new nature trail.”