The Solihull Council Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 8 October 2025 to discuss several planning applications, including a proposal for affordable housing on land west of Hob Lane. The committee will also review appeal decisions, delegated decisions, and the Birmingham Airport Night Flying Policy.

Here are the topics scheduled for discussion:

Land West of Hob Lane: Residential Development

The committee will consider a full planning permission application for residential development on land west of Hob Lane in Burton Green. The proposal involves the erection of 37 alms houses (Class C3 - affordable dwellings), access off Cromwell Lane, site management facilities, landscaping, public open space, drainage, and associated infrastructure.

The application has been referred to the Planning Committee because, in the opinion of the Head of Development Management, it would have a significant impact outside of its immediate vicinity and has received more than six objections.

According to the Public reports pack, the main issues to be considered include:

• Whether the proposal is inappropriate development in the Green Belt.
• Affordable housing provision.
• The effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area.
• The effect of the proposal on highway safety and the road network.

The report notes that the proposed development would deliver much-needed affordable homes, with 100% of the houses being affordable. It also states that the development would include areas of formal and informal open space and would significantly exceed the required 10% Biodiversity Net Gain¹.

However, the report also notes that the proposed development would be unable to make financial contributions towards education, health and sports provision in the area, and is not fully compliant with policy P7 of the Solihull Local Plan regarding accessibility.

The report states that Berkswell Parish Council supports the building of 37 alms houses, while Burton Green Parish Council and the Burton Green Residents Association object to the proposal, arguing that it is inappropriate in the Green Belt and would cause significant harm to the openness of the Green Belt.

The report concludes that the overall planning balance is firmly in favour of the proposed development, and the proposal would therefore benefit from the presumption in favour of sustainable development.

Woodchester Road: Replacement Dwelling

The Planning Committee will also review an application for a replacement dwelling at 33 Woodchester Road. The main issues for consideration are:

• Whether the proposal provides an appropriate residential use in accordance with relevant planning policy.
• The effect of the proposal on the character of the area and appearance of the street scene.
• The effect of the proposal on the amenities of the occupiers of neighbouring properties.
• The effect of the proposal on highway safety and the free flow of the road network.

According to the Public reports pack, nine responses from eight properties were received objecting to the application, citing concerns such as the design being out of keeping with the street scene, the proposed building being overbearing, and loss of light and privacy. The Knowle Dorridge and Bently Heath Forum also object to the application.

Solihull Road: Variation of Condition

The committee will also discuss an application to vary condition No. 1 (Plans) following planning approval PL/2021/02770/MINFHO dated 25.1.2023 for a two-storey front side and rear extension at 32 Solihull Road. The applicant seeks to increase the height of the building.

The application has been called in by Councillor Mark Parker, Councillor Karen Grinsell and Councillor MacKenzie.

The main issues for consideration are:

• The effect on the character and appearance of the host property.
• The effect on the living conditions of the occupiers of neighbouring properties.

According to the Public reports pack, eight responses/objections were received, citing concerns such as the design not being in keeping with the surrounding area, the proposal being too high, overlooking, and loss of light.

Water Orton Road: Single Storey Rear Extension

The Planning Committee will also review an application for a single-storey rear extension and conversion of an existing garage to include an increase in roof height at 80 Water Orton Road.

The application has been called in by Councillor Feeney.

The main issues for consideration are:

• The effect on the character and appearance of the host property.
• The effect on the amenities enjoyed by the occupiers of neighbouring properties.

According to the Public reports pack, Castle Bromwich Parish Council has no objection, subject to neighbours' comments and compliance with regulations.

Airport Night Flying Policy Sub-Committee

The committee will receive the minutes of the Birmingham Airport Night Flying Policy Sub-Committee meeting held on 24th September 2025². The minutes include an update on membership, a data update from the Airport on night flights, and an update on the Airport Masterplan Review.

Appeal Decisions and Delegated Decisions

The committee will review appeal decisions and delegated decisions. The appeal decisions relate to applications at 77 Hawthorne Road, a telecommunications mast on Cranmore Drive, and 1718 Warwick Road. The delegated decisions for the period 6 August – 9 September 2025 are also to be noted.

Solihull Local Plan Policies

The committee will review the Solihull Local Plan Policies Summary. The Solihull Local Plan sets out the council's planning policies for the borough. The policies cover a range of topics, including sustainable economic growth, providing homes for all, improving accessibility and encouraging sustainable travel, protecting and enhancing the environment, supporting local communities, and delivery and monitoring.