Over 100 new homes near Solihull have received approval despite opposition from local residents. Richborough Estates proposed the development on land at Frog Lane in Balsall Common as far back as October 2023.
The application for outline planning permission was finally presented at Solihull Council planning committee's most recent meeting on Wednesday, March 5. The proposal includes 110 homes, featuring affordable housing, pedestrian/cycle access from Frog Lane, children's play areas, an ecological area, and the demolition of existing homes on the site.
However, objections were raised by residents during a consultation in January. And during the meeting, Anthony Pimm, representing Balsall Street East residents, said locals were still "strongly objecting".
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He said: "This is a natural green belt area which would be completely spoilt by an urban development of this nature, destroying the ecology and introducing additional noise, pollution and loss of privacy for neighbouring properties."
Richard Drake, a Balsall Common parish councillor, said: "We are resigned to the fact there will be a significant increase in housing and the Frog Lane site will be developed.
"We want these developments to be as good as they can be and improve our area, not detract from it."
David Barnes, the agent for the applicant, emphasised that the application was for outline permission, with issues such as design to be addressed before the committee at a later date.
"Highways officers have raised no technical objections to the proposed junction (from Balsall Street East)," he said.
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He added: "We have been requested to provide contributions towards healthcare and education to provide additional capacity, and these have been agreed to be paid."
Committee member Coun Dave Pinwell talked about the proposed junction, saying: "I have been a victim of passing through Balsall Street East as the primary school was full of parents waiting to pick up their young ones.
"There was a string of cars parked up and chaos ruled at the time."
Coun Bob Grinsell, chairman of the committee, said: "We are talking about a potential 110 properties. Two cars minimum they are going to be using those cars to go to work and come home. That's 440 movements before deliveries, refuse, emergency vehicles."
The chairman said he wanted to see starter homes built to benefit locals. Meanwhile, planning officer Mark Andrews suggested that developer funds could enhance public transport services in Balsall Common as a means to limit car use.
Mr Andrews noted that the site falls under what officers consider grey belt – a category identifying areas of low-quality green belt land suitable for development.
After thorough discussion, councillors moved to a vote, with six voting for approval, one against, and two abstaining from the decision.
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Councillors also agreed to include an informative, encouraging the applicant to incorporate starter homes in the reserved matters application.
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