Major housing scheme proposed for Solihull village

Property developer Summix is exploring plans to deliver a major new development in the Solihull village of Tidbury Green, which could create 850 homes and a range of community facilities.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) scoping request has been submitted to the council, outlining proposals for the construction of 850 homes, a care home, food and beverage outlets, a convenience store, flood alleviation measures, public open space, and associated infrastructure.

The scheme includes a commitment to 50% affordable housing, in line with the Government’s ‘Golden Rules’. These homes would be integrated throughout the development with no distinction in design or quality.

As the proposed site spans three parcels of green belt land, the report acknowledges the need to release this land to support future housing growth.

It reads: “The Council submitted a Local Plan Review [‘LPR’] to the Secretary of State in May 2021. Following a lengthy examination, during which the Inspectors repeatedly raised concerns over housing delivery, the Inspectors wrote to the Council in September 2024 recommending that the Local Plan should be withdrawn. A resolution to withdraw the Local Plan was made at a Full Council meeting held on 8 October 2024.

“The letter from the Inspectors raised “serious concerns” over the supply of housing land, suggesting that it was “highly likely that additional site allocations on land currently in the Green Belt would be required.” Indeed, the Council had already demonstrated that there were exceptional circumstances which would justify altering the Green Belt to accommodate housing growth.”

The report by RPS Group also said: “Initial masterplanning and other technical work have shown the site to be able to accommodate approximately 850 homes and other supporting uses, such as a care home and convenience store.

“The current proposals would perform as a strategic urban extension to Tidbury Green, with the ability to increase local service provision for new and existing residents, and whilst also benefitting from links to existing facilities, including train stations at Wythall and Earlswood.”