I have previously mentioned the issues that relate to the Call for Sites and Widney Manor Golf Club. This post relates to a few other submissions nearby, off Widney Manor Road. I am conscious that some may be concerned about what has been put forward by developers/landowners. However, there is no certainty of any of these sites are going forward for further consideration. What I do want to do though, is make residents aware of site put forward within the ‘Call for Sites’ programme in the Widney Manor Road area. I have spoken to some residents who were not aware. I have explained what happens next further in the report.
There are four sites put forward (see map). I will give a short synopsis on each (in numerical order). Each is promoted as ‘Land at Widney Manor Road:
CFS/24/143 – this site is in a Conservation Area – Malvern Park Farm and in the ownership of Solihull Council, being used for gazing by a tenant. It presumes a possible 170 homes.
CFS/24/267 – this is not within a conservation area and is promoted by a planning consultant. It proposes 79 homes.
CFS/24/270 – is a strip of land adjoining ref 143 (above). This is not said to be in a conservation are and is promoted by planning consultants to deliver 40 homes.
CFS/24/295 – is the smallest of the four sites and promoted by a planning agent to deliver a possible 9 homes.
The numbers of houses proposed in each site is not definite and we have seen increases, as well as reductions when proposals do come forward for final consideration. However, adding up each of the four sites reveals a possible 298 new homes.
I have posted maps of the sites, as well as one that relates to the whole borough. Youn search via this link: https://solihull-mbc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/906f0c69fb5e41cb84b56d959f4d4db5
Neighbouring ward:
I have concentrated on issues relating to St Alphege, with Monkspath and Hillfield Ward, but must be cognisant of proposals further along Widney Manor Road (see next map) where site CFS/24/283 is said to be capable of 966 new homes by that promoter. I have also posted a map showing where sites have been submitted across the borough.
What happens next?
The timetable for a new plan is as follows:
- Winter 24/25 – launch Call-for-Sites exercise.
- Autumn 25 – publish a Regulation 18 Preferred Options Plan.
- Summer 26 – publish a Regulation 19 Draft Submission Plan.
- Autumn 26 – Submit plan for examination.
- Winter 26/27 – Examination hearings.
- Summer/autumn 27 – Plan adoption
We therefore now await the publication of the Regulation 18 Preferred Options Plan – this is where we find out what sites are put forward for wider consultation before a draft plan is submitted.
All the sites mentioned above are within the green belt and will have to pass stringent tests before consideration to being put forward for consultation. There are also serious highway constraints for potential developers to overcome.
I will update you when there is more information.
Ken Hawkins 