Planners will make a key decision on whether to give the green light to a proposed large housing development on green belt land in Berkswell next week. 

Applicant ICMI Associates Ltd wants to build a 92 home housing estate at Lavender Hall Farm, near to where the HS2 line is being built.

It is being proposed 40 per cent of the homes would be affordable – with a 65 per cent social rent and 35 per cent shared ownership split.

The scheme - submitted to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council - also proposes the inclusion of open space and a children's play area.

Agents Stansgate Planning say in the application: "The proposals comprise an outline application for the construction of up to 92 dwellings with private gardens and garages; removal of all existing hardstanding areas and structures; alterations to existing access onto Lavender Hall Lane; and provision of new roads, public open space and drainage works across the site.

"This site lies to the north of Balsall Common. It is a sustainable location, within walking distance of Berkswell train station and the health centre, with shops and schools also in close proximity.

"The council lacks a five year housing land supply and has failed to provide sufficient housing for a sustained period of time.

"The provision of 92 dwellings towards meeting the council's housing needs should be given significant weight in the planning balance."

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The agents say the homes would not be inappropriate development within the green belt but, if Solihull planners judge it to be, they add "identified harms are clearly outweighed by very special circumstances".

Outline plans for the homes of Lavender Hall Lane (image via planning application)

The application has been 'called in' to the next meeting of the authority's planning committee for a decision due to the number of objections submitted and that it is judged the scheme would have a "significant impact" outside the immediate vicinity. 

Objectors have raised issues including the impact on the green belt, pressure on local services, and increased traffic in the village.

In a report written ahead of the meeting officers say: "The proposed development would constitute inappropriate development in the green belt.

"Having considered the totality of the benefits of the proposed development against the totality of its harms, the benefits do clearly outweigh the extent of harms.

"As a consequence, the very special circumstances necessary to justify the proposal do exist."

Officers recommend approval subject to conditions and the signing of a section 106 agreement. 

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