A new large housing estate in Berkswell has been approved by planners despite objections from locals. 

Applicant ICMI Associates Ltd originally applied to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council to build a 92 home housing estate at Lavender Hall Farm in Berkswell – near to where the HS2 line is being built – in 2024. 

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

And the scheme included open space and a children's play area.

Agents Stansgate Planning said in the application: "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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But the application was 'called in' for a decision at the latest meeting of the authority's planning committee due to the number of objections submitted and because it was judged the scheme would have a "significant impact" outside the immediate vicinity.

Eight objections were submitted to the proposal during a public consultation including one from Councillor Andrew Burrow.

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

But at the meeting the committee went with officers' recommendation, voting to give approval subject to conditions and the completion of a section 106 agreement.