Two houses at Land To The Rear Of 135 -137 Hampton Lane, Solihull

What was proposed

The application sought permission in principle for up to two two-storey houses on land behind 135 and 137 Hampton Lane.

“This application seeks permission for the provision of up to 2no. dwellings on land to the rear of 135/137 Hampton Lane.”

“This is a Permission in Principle (PIP) application, as opposed to an application for planning permission.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the site met the tests for location, land use and amount of development.

“In conclusion, the proposed permission in principle for up to 2 dwellings is considered acceptable in principle. The assessment set out within this report demonstrates that the site meets the relevant criteria for Grey Belt land, would not fundamentally undermine the purposes (taken together) of the remaining Green Belt across the area of the plan, there is a demonstrable unmet need for the type of development proposed, and the site is located in an accessible location.”

“Furthermore, the proposed residential development represents an appropriate land use in this context, with no identified site-specific designations or neighbouring uses that would give rise to conflict. The quantum of development, limited to up to 2 dwellings, represents an acceptable amount for the site, reflecting the character and density of surrounding development and avoiding overdevelopment.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the site Grey Belt land, identified a housing need, found it accessible, and considered two homes an appropriate amount.

“(APP/Q4625/W/24/3351230) whereby the appellant suggested the land supply position was 1.11 years. In allowing the appeal the Inspector did not comment on either figure but concluded that ‘even at the Council’s figure, this is a significant shortfall in the amount of housing land required to meet the need for homes in the Borough’. This shortfall is substantial on a scale of marginal-limited-modest- substantial-severe.”

“Drawing matters together, the proposal would utilise Grey Belt land that would not fundamentally undermine the purposes (taken together) of the remaining Green Belt across the area of the plan. There is an identified demonstrable unmet housing need for the type of development proposed. Therefore, the proposal should be regarded as ‘not inappropriate’ development in the Green Belt and would be in accordance with paragraph 155 of the Framework.”

Officer report

What residents said

Eight objection letters raised concerns about overdevelopment, privacy, traffic, character, landscape, Green Belt principles and sustainability.

“A total of 8 objection letters have been received in relation to this permission in principle application. All correspondence has been reviewed and the main issues raised are summarised below (Planning Committee Members have access to all third party correspondence received):”

“Overdevelopment /Garden grabbing • Loss of Privacy and Amenity • Traffic, Parking and Highway Safety • Character and Local Distinctiveness and Streetscene • Precedent and cumulative impact • Harm to Landscape and Loss of natural screening • Isolated site • Inconstant with Green Belt principles • Unsustainable location • Ineffective Use of Land • Not in accordance with Policy P7”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker spoke against the application and another spoke in support.

The committee vote

The Permission in Principle was approved.

“PL/2025/01472/PIP - LAND TO THE REAR OF 135 -137 HAMPTON LANE The Permission in Principle was approved.”

Minutes