Sam Greenway

More than 50 Tidbury Green residents have launched a campaign against potential development of over 1,000 homes on or near the village’s green belt. The protest follows approval of Rainier Developments Limited’s 110-home Rumbush Lane scheme and the identification of nearby sites as potential grey belt land. Residents have displayed more than 100 opposition signs and raised concerns about infrastructure capacity, flooding and the loss of agricultural and protected land. MP Neil Shastri-Hurst and councillor Keith Green support the objections, while Solihull Council says any release of green belt land will be decided through the local plan process and that grey belt identification does not automatically make sites suitable for development.

Solihull Council has entered a new political era after the Conservatives lost their majority in local elections following 15 years of control. Conservative leader Karen Grinsell is running a minority administration, continuing initiatives including the Mell Square transformation, action on antisocial behaviour and changes to children’s services. Opposition parties have gained influential scrutiny and committee positions, while Reform UK has challenged policies such as fortnightly bin collections and campaigned to save Solihull police station. Councillor David Hoey’s defection from Reform UK to the Conservatives leaves the administration one seat short of a majority ahead of the May 2027 elections.

Adam and Fiona Hunter have applied to Solihull Council to build a temporary solar farm with 45 ground-mounted photovoltaic arrays and battery storage systems on green belt land at Chadwick Barns in Chadwick End. The applicants say the low-rise, reversible scheme would generate renewable electricity, reduce carbon emissions and have only a limited, localized effect on the openness of the green belt. Public consultation on application PL/2026/01224/PPFL closes on August 20. The report also notes that Solihull planners recently rejected a separate large solar farm proposal near Birmingham Airport.

Residents near a potential grey belt site south of Dickens Heath and east of Tidbury Green oppose plans for housing, arguing that local roads, rail services and drainage infrastructure cannot support a substantial population increase. They also raise concerns about traffic, flooding, wildlife and the loss of farmland. Solihull Council has identified 72 potential grey belt sites but stresses that the assessment does not mean the sites are suitable for development or that any land will automatically be released from the green belt. Decisions will be made through the borough’s local-plan process and subsequent consultation.

Residents in Balsall Common, Solihull, fear that land identified as potentially suitable for grey-belt development will lead to the loss of open fields and significant housing growth. They say the village already lacks sufficient roads, parking, schools, healthcare and other infrastructure, while recent HS2 construction and approved plans for 250 homes off Waste Lane have increased concerns about further change. Solihull Council says the assessment of 72 potential sites does not mean they will be developed, and that any decisions will be made through the local plan and consultation process.

Solihull Council’s planning committee unanimously approved Steve O’Nyons’s application to demolish an existing side building and construct three light industrial and commercial units with storage and office space on Lincoln Road in Olton. The application was referred to the committee because O’Nyons is a close relative of Silhill ward councillor Josh O’Nyons. Planning chairman Bob Grinsell said the referral was required for transparency and noted that there had been no public or statutory objections. The approval was granted subject to conditions at a meeting on July 24.

Solihull Council’s planning committee refused TotalEnergies’ proposed 63-hectare solar farm and battery storage scheme at Woodhouse Farm in Catherine de Barnes and Bickenhill, despite support from Birmingham Airport and a recommendation from council officers to approve it subject to conditions. The project was expected to generate enough electricity for about 14,000 homes, businesses and local users and supply clean energy directly to the airport. Opponents cited green-belt development, harm to the countryside, the credibility of restoring the land to agriculture after 40 years and construction traffic concerns. Only two councillors voted in favour, while seven opposed the application.

An updated Solihull green belt assessment identifies 72 sites as potential grey belt land, including areas near the NEC, Birmingham Airport and Balsall Common. The sites are considered lower-quality or lower-value sections of protected green belt that could potentially be developed, but Solihull Council stresses that inclusion in the assessment does not mean development will proceed. Any decisions to release land from the green belt will be made through the borough’s emerging local plan process.

An updated Arup assessment commissioned by Solihull Council identifies 72 of 99 assessed land parcels as potential grey belt, mainly around Solihull, Shirley, Coventry, Knowle, Dorridge, Bentley Heath and Balsall Common. The assessment supports preparation of the borough’s emerging local plan and follows a government target for Solihull to help deliver 8,500 homes by 2029. The council stresses that potential grey belt status does not mean land is suitable for development or that sites will automatically be released from the green belt. Any release decisions will be made through the local plan process, followed by public consultation and independent examination.

Solihull Council’s planning committee unanimously approved the detailed design for 250 homes at Pheasant Oak Farm in Balsall Common, including affordable housing, a play area, community orchard and nature areas. Berkswell Windmill owner Jeanette McGarry and local councillors argued that homes near Windmill Lane could interfere with the setting and views of the 200-year-old landmark. The developer made amendments, including increasing public open space, but the committee concluded that the plans complied with previously approved height parameters and granted permission subject to conditions.

Residents near Valley Primary School in Solihull say the School Streets scheme has failed because drivers continue to ignore restrictions, park dangerously, block driveways and obstruct buses. Councillor Kathryn Thomas reported incidents including wall damage and a near miss involving a child, while council officers acknowledged poor compliance and said they would seek funding for enforcement cameras. Solihull Council plans to introduce a scheme near Coppice Primary School, where residents hope it will reduce school-run traffic, although some fear parking will simply move to nearby Damson Lane.

Councillors approved plans for 110 homes on Rumbush Lane in Tidbury Green despite calls to delay the decision until Solihull’s new local plan is completed. The developer argued the project would not predetermine the plan and would bring over £4 million in community investment, including funding for Leafield Athletic FC. Councillors were advised that postponing could risk non‑determination, and the committee unanimously granted approval subject to conditions and a section 106 agreement.

A proposal seeks to convert a family home in Delrene Road, Shirley, into a care home for two children aged five to seventeen, citing a shortage of facilities in Solihull. The plan outlines internal changes, parking availability, and assurances that activity levels will resemble those of a typical household. The applicant argues the scheme meets local need without affecting residential amenity and urges Solihull Council to approve it. A public consultation is open until August 14. Additional live planning applications across Solihull include various home extensions, new build plots, a dwelling conversion, and anti-ram bollard installation.

Solihull Council approved a Grenergy Renewables UK plan to build a battery energy storage system on agricultural land in Berkswell despite safety and traffic concerns raised by residents and councillors. Planning officers said the scheme would not significantly impact the area long term and noted submitted fire and traffic management plans. The project, expected to operate for 35 years and capable of supporting power for around 35,000 homes, was unanimously approved with conditions at a committee meeting on July 15.

Solihull councillors reaffirm efforts to curb the rise of HMOs by pursuing an Article 4 directive to reduce the occupancy threshold requiring planning permission. During a heated debate, Reform UK members linked HMO growth to immigration, prompting objections from Green and Liberal Democrat councillors who argued the focus should remain on licensing and management. Conservatives amended a motion requesting stronger powers and regular reporting, which was ultimately approved. The council continues gathering evidence for a new local plan and expects consultation on the Article 4 direction by year‑end.

A proposed entertainment venue in Shirley awaits a decision from Solihull Council on its alcohol licence after a detailed hearing with owner Nilesh Pandit. The plan involves converting a former Poundland site into a games-focused bar expected to attract significant footfall. A neighbouring business objected, citing concerns about crime and customer safety. Pandit outlined security measures including cameras, ID checks and managed entry. The licensing panel will issue its decision within a week, with options to approve, approve with conditions or refuse the application.

Solihull Council is preparing to expand its School Streets scheme after data showed significant reductions in car use and improvements in safety around participating primary schools. Monitoring indicates falls in car journeys, reduced parking issues and greater support from residents and parents. Councillor Ken Hawkins is recommended to approve introducing the scheme at Coppice Primary School, where most pupils live within a mile and alternative parking is available. A virtual decision meeting will be held on July 9.

Solihull Council ruled that a proposed children’s home in Millsons Wood requires full planning permission after determining the change of use is a material one, rejecting an application for a lawful development certificate. Applicant Jason Hewitt argued the home would operate similarly to a standard residence, but the council’s head of planning, Mark Andrews, stated no permitted change applies. No further application has been submitted.

Local traders in Shirley have raised concerns that a proposed entertainment venue called Hideout could attract antisocial behaviour, citing recent issues involving groups of teenagers around Parkgate Shopping Centre. Owner Nilesh Pandit has defended the plan, saying the venue would offer interactive games, include security measures and enforce strict entry rules. A neighbouring salon formally objected over fears customers would be deterred, while other traders reported past incidents of vandalism and disruptive behaviour. Pandit argued the venue would provide needed leisure options and help regulate the area. Solihull Council’s licensing panel will decide on July 8 whether to grant the requested alcohol licence, grant it with conditions or refuse it.

Air quality monitoring in Solihull shows an overall decline in nitrogen dioxide levels, though some sites recorded slight increases. A council report noted that 5.5 percent of adult mortality is attributable to particulate pollution, a small rise from the previous year and higher than regional and national levels. Councillors expressed concern over the mortality uptick, and officials said further analysis of respiratory health data is ongoing. The cabinet member approved the report and reaffirmed continued collaboration with regional partners to meet air quality goals.

O’Neills in Solihull has submitted a planning application seeking permission to repaint its building green, add new signage including ‘Arrowsmith’s Digital Darts’, and install a mural at the rear. Solihull Council’s heritage officers welcomed improvements to the building’s western elevation and found the muted green-and-white palette acceptable, while advising consultation on paint selection to protect decorative features. The proposal follows a previous application to add a timber pergola and remove an existing rear structure.