The reports pack for the 18 December 2024 CPH Climate Change and Planning Decision Session meeting of Solihull Council contains details on a range of topics, including a proposed Masterplan for the 'Land South of Dog Kennel Lane' allocation, the Local Development Scheme for the borough, and an update on the Council's financial position as of 30 September 2024.

Land South of Dog Kennel Lane

The report pack includes a Masterplan for the 'Land South of Dog Kennel Lane' (also known as the Hares Croft development), which was allocated as site BL2 in the withdrawn 2020 Local Plan Review¹. This allocation was intended to facilitate the development of 1,000 dwellings, a new primary school, public open space, a local centre, sports facilities, and multi-modal access routes.

The Masterplan, produced by the lead developers Taylor Wimpey, details their proposals for the whole site, incorporating land owned by Richborough Estates. The Masterplan seeks to retain and enhance existing hedgerows and trees on the site, retain the historic driveway and designed view from the north of the Grade II listed Light Hall Farm, establish a new defensible Green Belt boundary, and provide sustainable drainage solutions. It also illustrates proposed housing densities, vehicular, pedestrian and cycle connectivity, and land for the school, local centre, public open space, and sports facilities.

A report accompanying the Masterplan describes a period of consultation undertaken on the Masterplan. This consultation involved local residents, Solihull Council Members, Cheswick Green Parish Council and Dickens Heath Parish Council and resulted in a total of 78 responses being received. The report summarises the feedback received, and describes how it was addressed in the final Masterplan.

The report recommends that the Cabinet Member approves the Masterplan for adoption as a material consideration when assessing future relevant planning applications.

Solihull Local Plan Review

The reports pack contains a proposed update to the Local Development Scheme, which sets out the Council's timetable for bringing forward a new Local Plan.

Following the withdrawal of the previous Local Plan Review in October 2024, the Council is aiming to adopt a new Local Plan by Summer/Autumn 2027.

The report recommends that the Cabinet Member approve the proposed Local Development Scheme for publication.

Financial Position 2024/25

The reports pack includes a report on the Council's revenue and capital budgets for 2024/25, as of 30 September 2024.

The report states that:

The Period 6 forecast shows an adverse variance against Core Council budgets totalling £6.863 million. This is in relation to the Children and Education portfolio as well as some corporate pressures. In addition, there is an in-year adverse variance of £7.184 million for the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).

The report also provides an update on the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2024/25-2026/27. It describes the key financial challenges facing the council, such as inflationary pressures, demand for services, and the cost of living crisis, and details the RAG (Red, Amber, Green) rating of mitigations built into the existing MTFS. The report recommends that the Cabinet Member note:

the current financial position and actions being taken to address budget variances and determine whether any further actions are required.

It also recommends that they note:

the latest percentage Red, Amber and Green (RAG) ratings for the delivery of the (MTFS) savings 2024/25 to 2026/27.

Authority Monitoring Report (AMR)

The reports pack contains a draft of the Council's Authority Monitoring Report (AMR).

The AMR provides an update on progress against the policies set out in the adopted Solihull Local Plan (2013). It also provides information on other relevant planning policy matters, such as the five-year land supply, the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), and the duty to cooperate.

The AMR highlights the following:

As of 1 Apr 2024, the Council could demonstrate a land supply of 3.44 years.

The report recommends that the Cabinet Member approve the draft AMR, and delegate authority to the Acting Director of Economy and Infrastructure to make any factual additions or minor alterations before publication.

The Local Plan Review is the process by which councils review and update their plans for the development of their areas.