AMENDMENTS to plans for 250 homes near Berkswell Windmill have been given the go ahead.
During an additional planning committee meeting at Solihull Council last Friday evening (July 24) planning chiefs approved reserved matters including layout, scale, appearance and landscaping for the homes.
Last May Barwood Development Securities Ltd’s outline plans to build the homes, which will include affordable homes for social rent and shared ownership on land at Pheasant Oak Farm on Hob Lane in Balsall Common were approved.
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The site land was allocated for up to 250 homes in the now withdrawn Local Plan Review – sites have yet to be allocated for Solihull’s newest local plan.
An application for outline planning permission allows for the Council to make a decision on the general principles of how a site can be developed but works should not begin until full planning permission has been given by the authority.
Campaigners, including The Friends of Berkswell Windmill have been calling for a new planning condition to be included – the pubic open space to be located opposite the iconic Berkswell Windmill instead of houses.
Speaking at the meeting Jeanette McGarry, custodian of Berkswell Windmill, said: “We are asking this planning committees to ensure that the public open spaces are along Hobs Lane and Windmill Lane.
“We are not suggesting there should be no housing.
“2026 is the bicentenary of the windmill and to ensure a lasting legacy is secured public open space and community ares should be beside the farm house – it will provide a wonderful viewpoint of the and a safe area and enjoyment for residents, visitors and future generations to come.”
At the meeting Richard West from Vistry Homes said they had made a number of amendments asked for by various groups including Berkswell Parish Council.
He added: “The recommendation to approve the application is a result of a truly collaborative approach for which I thank those involved.”
A Solihull Council spokesperson said: “We arranged an additional planning committee during July due to the number of applications reaching a decision stage and in the interest of setting manageable agendas.
“July 24 was the only date within the calander that an additional meeting could be accommodated.”
