Residents in parts of Solihull and the leafy affluent Birmingham suburbs have been reassured that reclassifying some villages as towns is intended to strengthen green belt protections and guide future planning decisions.
Under new proposals, Knowle, Dorridge, and Bentley Heath would be treated as a single town for planning purposes, while Balsall Common would also be classified as a town.
Solihull Council approved the move, which will now go to a six-week public consultation.
Councillor Andy Mackiewicz called it “a bit of history being made,” but emphasised that the reclassification is for planning only—residents can still refer to their communities as villages.
Read more on the changes here.
1. Knowle
Knowle is a large village situated 3 miles east-southeast of the town of Solihull. The quiet village of Knowle combines an idyllic neighbourhood atmosphere with fantastic commuter links to Solihull town centre, Coventry and Birmingham, making it the ideal spot for those wanting the best of both worlds. | 3DReid/Inspired Villages/Solihull Council/LDRS
2. Dorridge
Dorridge is a large village in the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull in the West Midlands, England. Historically part of the historic county of Warwickshire, the village is encompassed within the electoral ward of Dorridge and Hockley Heath, which had a population of 11,140 in the 2011 census. | National World
3. Bentley Heath
Bentley Heath is a village in the West Midlands Borough of Solihull, England, approximately 3 miles southeast of Solihull town centre. It's known for its friendly community, green spaces, and good schools, making it attractive to families. It offers a balance of peaceful living with convenient access to the amenities of Solihull and Birmingham. | Google Maps
4. Balsall Common
It's a charming village known for its friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, and beautiful countryside surroundings. It offers a good balance between a peaceful rural setting and convenient access to nearby cities like Birmingham and Solihull. | Flickr