Councillors have once more given the nod to a substantial retirement village in Knowle following a legal challenge.
The proposal by C Coombs & Senior Living Ltd involves razing the current Stripes Hill farmhouse on the ten-acre Warwick Road site to construct 170 homes for the over-65s.
Inspired Villages is set to manage the development, aiming to establish a retiree community comprising bungalows, cottages, and apartments.
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The planned facilities include a cafe, restaurant, communal meeting and activity spaces, a swimming pool, gym, fitness studio, and treatment rooms.
Originally greenlit in February, the project encountered a hurdle when Shoosmiths solicitors questioned the decision-making process of the councillors through a legal challenge.
Council officers recommended revisiting the planning committee's approval at Solihull Council to clarify whether the land was designated as green belt or the newly termed 'grey belt'—a lesser quality green belt area that can be repurposed for housing.
During the public speaking segment, a local resident expressed concerns about insufficient consultation and the long-term impact of living near the proposed village.
Ellen Pearce, speaking on behalf of Inspired Village, argued: "There continues to be very special circumstances which exist to justify the development of this site within the green belt.
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"As well as the pressing need for extra care housing there will be on-site biodiversity net gain above 20 per cent, carbon net zero regulated energy design, significant investment in Knowle, hundreds of direct and indirect jobs and freeing up of family homes."
Council officer Mark Andrews, head of planning, design and engagement services, commented on community interaction, noting: "There is always a feeling we could do more in terms of community engagement.
"I feel there has been a good degree of consultation over this application."
During the councillors' discussion, committee chairman Coun Bob Grinsell expressed his satisfaction regarding a stipulation requiring the developer to donate land for Arden Academy's redevelopment.
Coun Mark Wilson drew attention to the applicant’s promises about green efficiency. "Really, with that in mind, all future developments should be sustainable," he stated.
Wilson flagged traffic concerns related to the new project, particularly on Warwick Road. "Yes there are cycle ways and bus stops and I take on board we want people to walk or get public transport to the site," he said. "But I think we have to be realistic here."
Mr Andrews said the developer was contributing to cycle connectivity and local travel as part of a broader package associated with the construction of other nearby housing estates.
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During the vote, the chairman clarified that committee members would be voting on the premise that the scheme was located in green belt land, but "clearly outweigh the harm" due to very special circumstances.
The scheme received approval from members with seven votes in favour, none against, and two abstentions.