Solihull: Huge new housing estate for Arden Triangle near Knowle to move forward despite locals' fears

Kler Group Limited originally applied for outline permission for 450 houses in the ‘Arden Triangle’ in November 2023, and the plans are now set to go before Solihull Council’s latest planning committee meeting.

The original masterplan for the site was revealed in 2020 with the plan for the homes built at the site to reap the benefits of the HS2 Interchange Station being built nearby.

The site is officially known as KN2 but is better known as the Arden Triangle, situated to the south of Knowle village centre – surrounded by Warwick Road, Station Road and Grove Road.

Kler Groups’ application is to develop green belt land by building 450 homes of varying types and sizes including 40 per cent affordable homes and five per cent self and custom build homes.

The proposal is also for green infrastructure including open space, children’s play areas, board walk through a local wildlife site and ecological areas; pedestrian and cycle access through the site and a sustainable drainage system.

A report prepared for the planning committee says during public consultation 28 objections were raised by locals.

Their concerns included:

• Increase in traffic
• Poor bus service in area
• Proposal encroaches into the green belt
• Impact on property values

One of those who objected is Knowle Councillor Edward Fitter who wrote in his consultation response: “The construction of up to 450 houses would result in a density of development that would be significantly harmful to the character and appearance of the area.

“The proposed development would constitute inappropriate development in the green belt.”

But officers, who recommend the application be approved by the committee, say that the benefits of the scheme “clearly outweigh the totality of the harm” (to the green belt) adding “very special circumstances do exist in this instance.”

If approved the applicant will need to return the committee with more detailed plans at a ‘reserved matters’ stage.

To view the plans search for application PL/2023/02294/PPOL at https://publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk/online-applications.

The planning committee meeting, which is open to the public, is being held at the Civic Suite from 5.30pm on Wednesday, April 2.

The meeting will also be available to watch live on the council’s website solihull.gov.uk.