SOLIHULL Council look set to approve the first stage of its new local plan for consultation.
The Cabinet are being asked to give the go ahead for an issues and options consultation that the Council’s new local plan should address at a meeting on December 11.
Following the withdrawal of the Draft Submission Plan (2020) from examination in October 2024, a number of significant changes to the national and regional planning
context have taken place.
This includes significant changes to the National Planning Policy Framework and the emergence of a West Midlands Spatial Development Strategy.
If the report is approve a consultation is said to be launched in January.
The consultation is said to consider the significant changes bought into effect by the amendments to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in December 2024 with a focus on housing numbers and how they could be accommodated in the borough.
Speaking ahead of the meeting Councillor Andrew Mackiewicz, cabinet member for Climate Change and Planning, said: “Following the disappointing decision to withdraw the previous Local Plan Review, the Council has continued to work on a new plan that will positively and proactively plan for the homes, jobs and infrastructure the borough needs.
“However, changes to national planning laws and guidance over the last 12 months means the context within which we are developing the plan has changed, and it is likely to change further going forward.
“The introduction of regional plans, Grey Belt and the fundamental changes to national Green Belt policy, mean it remains vitally important to bring forward a new plan for the borough as quickly as we can. But this plan must be the right plan for Solihull.
“The first stage of that process is to seek the views of local people, businesses and stakeholders in relation to some key policy areas and broad options around how the necessary development can be delivered.
“This highlights the importance of infrastructure, enhancing our natural environment, delivering homes to meet local needs and growing our high performing economy.
“Subject to approval at Cabinet, I look forward to hearing views that will help us frame a plan that will preserve the Solihull that we are all proud of.”
