Plans for an enormous new neighbourhood significantly extending Balsall Common will go before planners for a final decision next week.

A proposal from developers Harris Strategic Land And Colchurch Properties Limited for nearly 1,000 new homes on land alongside the new HS2 line have been in the works for three years.

The major application for outline planning permission will go before Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council's planning committee with officers recommending it gets the go-ahead.

The developers want to build 970 homes on green belt land between Station Road and Waste Lane in the village.

It is proposed 50 per cent would be affordable housing – split 65 per cent social rented and 35 per cent shared ownership – with 70 units for a care home or retirement accommodation.

The significant urban extension would also see land provided for a primary school, additional car parking space for Berkswell Railway Station and public open space.

A planning statement included in the application says: "The applicant considers the planning application for the site presents a significant opportunity for Solihull Council.

"The collective benefits of the development as described are extensive."

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Planning firm Pegasus Group, on behalf of the developer, added: "The site provides an opportunity to create a new living environment of the highest standard, which reflects the local vernacular and contextual surroundings.

"The proposals will deliver an attractive, locally distinguishable and sustainable urban extension to Balsall Common."

Council planning officers write in a report for the committee that they have determined the land to be grey belt – green belt land suitable for housing and to be developed.

The report states the objections to the scheme include Balsall Common ward councillors and Meriden and Solihull East MP Saqib Bhatti with 224 residents signing a petition.

An illustrative masterplan included in the application shows how the proposed site is situated to the west of Balsall Common with the HS2 line running to the eastern side.

The layout, scale, landscaping and appearance of the dwellings would form a 'reserved matters' application which would be submitted if outline planning permission is granted.

The planning committee meeting, which is open to the public, is being held at the Civic Suite from 5pm on July 15.