PLANS TO build 250 homes near Berkswell Windmill look to be given the go ahead by Solihull planning chiefs.
Plans put forward by Barwood Development Securities Ltd for the houses on land at Pheasant Oak Farm on Hob Lane in Balsall Common were taken off the agenda by Solihull Council’s planning committee earlier this month following a legal challenge.
But now details have been updated to remove any confusion over the assessment or merits of the scheme where matters may have changed it is set to be discussed at Wednesday’s (April 30) meeting.
Developers say a number of the homes built would be affordable houses for social rent and shared ownership.
The development would also include a children’s play areas; community orchard and ecological areas; pedestrian and cycle access from Waste Lane and Windmill Lane to “enhance connection into the village” and a sustainable drainage system.
The site land was allocated for up to 250 homes in the now withdrawn Local Plan Review – sites have yet to be allocated for Solihull’s newest local plan.
In documents released ahead of Wednesday’s meeting officer have recommended the plans to be approved subject to a section 106 agreement – a legal agreement ensuring developers contribute towards any necessary supportive infrastructure.
However campaigners, including The Friends of Berkswell Windmill and a 1,000-plus strong online petition, are calling for a new planning condition to be included.
Jeanette McGarry, custodian of Berkswell Windmill, said: “We have made it clear to officers that the planning condition should be included within in the Recommendations of the report.
“Members of Planning Committee could then deliberate upon each recommendation, in turn.
“The planning application was amended following officers’ insistence to include traffic calming measures for Waste Lane.
“Elected Members raised concerns regarding six acres of countryside on Waste Lane – originally identified for housing. It has since been protected. However, there is no protection for Windmill Lane or the Heritage Asset.”
