As the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported earlier this month, Muse Places Ltd – Solihull Council’s chosen development partner for the regeneration scheme – has submitted a planning application for the development with hopes work could begin next year.
The plans are for 1,600 homes as part of a new mixed-use neighbourhood including shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and public spaces. The scheme also aims to attract young professionals and families with build-to-rent and affordable homes.
The new pictures show a future Mell Square from a variety of angles while an illustrative picture even shows market stalls and a ferris wheel at the square during the summer.
In the application, submitted on March 17, agents Turley said all existing buildings will be demolished – including the multi-storey car park and petrol filling station – to make way for 346 new homes alongside shops, car parking, landscaping and public realm improvements. Outline permission is sought for the remainder of the site.
Overall, the application wants permission for 1,600 homes, 300 hotel rooms, and up to 57,079sqm “non-residential floor area for flexible town centre uses”, which would include shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.
“The proposed development will provide a comprehensive package of benefits that accord with local and nation planning policy, weighing heavily in favour of granting permission,” the firm added.”
Solihull residents can take part in a consultation which is open until April 17. The plans will later come before the authority’s planning committee for a final decision.
In a recent weekly column Solihull Council’s leader Ian Courts said: “The committee will make a decision that is right for the borough, taking into account the views of local people – that is important. We need to remember this is a longer-term plan and although we would expect work to start on the first phase in the next year or two, there is still much to be done in respect to planning of later phases.”
To view the plans and submit a comment search for application PL/2025/00547/MAJFDW at https://publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk/online-applications.
1. Solihull Mell Square shopping centre revamp artist' impressions. A potential new look for Mill Lane
A potential new look for Mill Lane | Muse/Solihull Council/Howells/Planit/LDRS
2. Solihull Mell Square shopping centre revamp artist' impressions. Aerial vision of Mell Square
Aerial vision of Mell Square | Muse/Solihull Council/Howells/Planit/LDRS
3. Solihull Mell Square shopping centre revamp artist' impressions. Illustrative picture of Mell Square in the summer
Illustrative picture of Mell Square in the summer | Muse/Solihull Council/Howells/Planit/LDRS
4. Solihull Mell Square shopping centre revamp artist' impressions. Artist's impression of one of the new homes
Artist's impression of one of the new homes | Muse/Solihull Council/Howells/Planit/LDRS