Up to 80 homes at Land West Of Stratford Road, Hockley Heath, Solihull

What was proposed

The outline scheme proposed up to 80 homes, 50% affordable housing, open space, play areas, ecological areas, drainage and a new Stratford Road access.

“The proposed development will deliver much needed market and affordable homes within a Borough with a substantial and persistent shortfall in housing land supply. The Framework outlines that medium sized sites can make an important contribution to meeting the housing requirement of an area and are often built out quickly. Therefore, taking the above into account, substantial weight is attributed to the delivery of affordable and market housing.”

“The proposed development includes areas of formal and informal open space, including equipped play areas to mitigate the effect of the proposal. As these facilities would be useable both by future residents of the proposal and by existing residents, moderate weight is attributed to the delivery of open space provision.”

Officer report

The site and access

The site was west of Stratford Road in Hockley Heath, with access through the demolition of two properties and a possible link to Public Right of Way SL82.

“Vehicular and pedestrian / cycle access to the site will be via Stratford Road between numbers 2208 and 2214 (numbers 2210 and 2212 will be demolished to allow for access in this location). This access is shown on the Proposed Site Access (Drawing Number 26515-01 A).”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement, giving substantial weight to housing and significant weight to meeting the Golden Rules.

“Paragraph 158 of the Framework advises that a development which complies with the ‘Golden Rules’ should be given significant weight in favour of the grant of permission.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Most consultees raised no objection subject to conditions or contributions, while the parish council objected over Green Belt, infrastructure, drainage, environmental and highway concerns.

“Hockley Heath Parish Council – objection on the grounds of loss of Green Belt, infrastructure inadequacy, drainage & flood risk, environmental harm, highway safety and lack of sustainable transport solutions.”

“SMBC Highways – No objection subject to conditions and contribution of £202,800 to enhance bus services and £44,020 for a residential travel plan.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two parish and ward councillors spoke against the application, a joint ward councillor statement was read out, and a supporter spoke in favour.

The committee decision

The committee refused the application against the officer recommendation because Members considered it failed policies on water management, amenity, countryside and Green Belt.

“PL/2025/01366/PPOL - LAND WEST OF STRATFORD ROAD Refused, against the officer recommendation, as Members deemed it failed to satisfy their policy conditions P11 (Water Management), P14 (Amenity), and P17 (Countryside and Green Belt).”

Minutes