Mell Square redevelopment at Mell Square, Solihull

What was proposed

The hybrid application sought demolition and a phased mixed-use redevelopment, including homes, commercial floorspace, public realm, landscaping, access, parking and drainage.

“Proposal: Hybrid planning application comprising full planning application for site clearance and demolition of all existing buildings and the construction of residential floor space and associated amenity space (Use Class C3), lower and ground floor commercial floor spaces (Use Class E), public realm works, hard and soft landscaping, access, parking, drainage, and all other associated works.”

“Web link to Plans: Full details of the proposal and statutory consultee responses can be found by using the above planning application reference number at:”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions, legal agreements and no new material planning considerations from Active Travel England.

“Conditions; Completion of S111/106 Agreement and Development Agreement; and 3. Active Travel England raise no new material planning considerations.”

Officer report

Main planning concerns

Officers identified harm from the development’s scale, heritage effects and under-provision of open space, alongside substantial regeneration, housing and economic benefits.

“Additionally, the redevelopment of Mell Square and the under-provision of public open space on-site will have an impact on the existing open spaces in and around the town centre. Whilst the proposal will deliver qualitative improvements and new spaces as part of the redevelopment of the centre. The current viability issues, which identify that Phases 1 and 2 are not viable, will not be able to mitigate for the under provision of open space proposed.”

“As set out above, there would be considerable public benefits in favour of the development but also there is clearly harm by reason of the scale of development to the townscape of Solihull, plus considerable harm to its heritage assets that carries great weight and the proposed open space provision not meeting policy requirements. This means that the recommendation is finely balanced.”

Officer report

What people said

Nine public responses raised concerns about height, character, heritage, parking, services and viability, while one supported the scheme with conditions about height and safety.

“Given the number of apartments there are not nearly enough parking spaces. • I know we want to discourage car ownership, but we don't have the best public transport links in Solihull - this is not central London or even the centre of Birmingham. • the parking provision is insufficient and will lead to parking issues both within the development and the streets surrounding it.”

“Supportive of the introduction of new housing, more green spaces and removal of ugly 1960s concrete buildings. Great scheme on the whole but concerned about the excessive height of some buildings and would prefer to keep to maximum 8 storeys to avoid a "tower block estate" feel. Need to ensure public feel safe walking in area designated for nightlife and after-dark entertainment.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two representatives of Hampton-in-Arden Parish Council spoke against the application, while two speakers spoke in support.

The committee’s decision

Members approved the application subject to conditions, completion of Section 111/106 and development agreements, and Active Travel England raising no new material considerations.

“PL/2025/00547/MAJFDW - MELL SQUARE Members approved the application subject to: Conditions; The completion of a Section 111/106 Agreement and Development Agreement; Active Travel England raise no new material planning considerations.”

Minutes

Changes and additions agreed

Members amended conditions covering Royal Mail access, habitat measures, landscaping, materials, public art and traffic monitoring, and added two informatives.

“Condition 19 - Prior to the closure of Drury Lane, or the use of Drury Lane for any construction and demolition vehicles associated with the development that impedes the current use of egress for Royal Mail, a detailed access scheme shall be submitted to and approved by the Council in consultation with Royal Mail taha sets out: (i) Arrangements for the temporary two-way access between the Royal Mail delivery office within the red-line boundary and George Road (during the…”

“Condition 31 – Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan No development shall commence at each phase, save for demolition work and enabling works unit any required habitat Management and Monitoring Plan measures associated with he submitted BNG Assessment for that phase of development for a minimum period of 30 years has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

Minutes