THOUGHTS on a plans to build 200 homes on a former Chelmsley Wood school are being sought by Solihull Council.
The proposals to prepare and submit an outline planning application – where developers get feedback from authorities about plans – were approved for the former Simon Digby School at the Council’s cabinet meeting.
The Council say the 4.5 hectare site, located off Chester Road, was allocated for development in the 2013 Solihull Local Plan and a ‘significant proportion’ would be affordable housing.
The site’s allocation has been brought forward into the emerging Local Plan, which is currently in the examination phase.
One of the borough’s key challenges is to meet housing needs without adversely affecting the quality of the environment and its attractiveness for residents.
In particular, this includes the shortage of affordable housing, which the development will take into account.
Councillor Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council, said: “Providing new homes in Solihull is vital for the continued growth and success of the borough.
“The former Simon Digby School site is in an extremely well connected location with the HS2 Interchange Station just around the corner. From there new residents will be able to reach London Euston in just 38 minutes.
“It’s not just about creating more homes, it’s about creating new areas which are pleasant places to live, have a real community feel and a distinct sense of place.
“This development will aspire to achieve exactly that. New homes fronting onto tree-lined streets, as well as footpaths connecting residents with the Cole Valley landscape have been incorporated into the initial concept design.
“On top of that, the construction phase will also provide valuable employment and training opportunities and Social Value objectives will be embedded into the scheme.”
More details will be announced soon on the format and dates of the consultation.
