Solihull: 95 new homes plan for green belt land gets approval despite concerns of residents

New homes on green belt land in Catherine De Barnes have been given approval despite a number of objections from residents.

The outline application from applicants Cala (Cotswolds) Limited and Minton Care was submitted to determine if a proposed development on land in Oak Farm in Hampton Lane is generally acceptable to Solihull Council.

The application went before the authority’s latest planning meeting on Wednesday, (September 11).

In a report to the committee officers highlighted the land has been identified as a potential site for up to 100 dwellings within the authority’s local plan review.

Planning officer Becky Stevens said: “The very special circumstances necessary to justify the development (in the green belt) have been demonstrated.”

But among the residents’ objections were:

• Increase of traffic
• Lack of general infrastructure including a GP service or school
• Significant reduction in ‘openness’ of the area

‘We no longer feel like a village’ concerns shared

Wider area has already been subjected to large amounts of development including HS2

Among the objections raised was one from Hampton-in-Arden Parish Council.

In the public speaking section Dave Cuthbert, the parish councillor representing Catherine De Barnes, highlighted that a past application for the site for a care home had been unsuccessful.

“This site is not suitable for family housing,” Coun Cuthbert said.

“Catherine De Barnes is only a small settlement comprising approximately 350 homes.

“95 (new) homes represents an increase of approaching 25 per cent which we feel is totally unsustainable.”

Speaking in favour Donna Savage, the agent for the applicant, said: “The site will deliver much needed market housing and perhaps more importantly much needed affordable housing for the borough.”

In the debate Councillor Diana Holl-Allen: “I understand people wanting to hang onto the green belt, I certainly do that in my own ward where I can.

“But we have a job to do now, we have got to build more houses.

“Over the years we have always tried to please everybody and not develop our green belt.

“Regrettably in the not too distant future I imagine there is going to be a lot more (green belt applications).”

And Councillor Bob Grinsell, chairman of the committee, said as the land was being used for things such as caravan storage: “It’s not what I would describe as your archetypal green belt.”

He said the previous application rejection had been about the need for a care home.

When the vote was taken councillors voted unanimously to approve the application subject to conditions and signing of a section 106 agreement with the developers.

Under that agreement the applicant would contribute towards infrastructure improvements including bus services enhancements; a play facility and a new pedestrian crossing and traffic calming on Hampton Lane.

Final detailed plans will need to come before the committee at a later date before work on the site can begin.