SOLIHULL Council has launched a Brownfield Land call for sites exercise, following the Government’s introduction of a statutory requirement on Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to publish a Brownfield Land Register (BLR) by December 31.
A BLR is a list of previously developed sites that are potentially suitable for residential development. This will be reviewed and updated annually.
Inclusion on the Register does not guarantee planning permission.
Brownfield land can make an important contribution towards the supply of land to accommodate the borough’s housing needs. Often it will be preferable to use such land instead of land that is in the Green Belt.
The Council is calling for landowners, stakeholders and residents to submit any brownfield sites which could be used for residential development to help it compile its BLR.
Submitted sites should be brownfield only (land which is or was occupied by a permanent structure, including vacant, derelict or contaminated land), and should be at least 0.25ha or capable of providing at least 5 dwellings, although smaller sites may also be considered.
Sites will be required to meet the Government’s definition of previously developed land as outlined in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
Previously developed sites in the Green Belt may also be considered if they meet the criteria. The Council will only include land on the Register if it is considered suitable, available and achievable.
The BLR will be kept in two parts:
• Part 1 will include all sites categorised as previously developed land which are considered suitable for residential development, regardless of their planning status.
Entry onto Part 1 of the Register does not guarantee that the site would progress to Part 2 of the Register or receive planning permission
• Part 2 allows LPAs to select sites from Part 1 and grant permission in principle for residential development. At this stage the Council does not intend to select sites for Part 2 as it wishes to use the time available for publish Part 1 of the register in draft form.
Coun Courts, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Managed Growth and Communities, said: “This is an important opportunity for people to identify any previously developed land that could potentially be used for residential development.
“Registers are intended to provide better information for developers and communities about Brownfield land that is suitable for housing.
“However, it is essential to note that entry on the BLR does not mean the land will receive planning permission.
“I encourage everyone across Solihull to send in suggestions for potential sites, so we can ensure we have a full and comprehensive understanding of the extent of previously developed land across the borough.”
The ‘Call for Sites’ runs until Monday, July 31.
All sites should be submitted using the Brownfield Land site proposal form which is available on the Council’s website at www.solihull.gov.uk/blr
Other ancillary uses can be included, providing that housing is the main purpose of development
