Planners have given the go-ahead for hundreds of homes to be built on Solihull green belt in the latest blow for campaigners.

Developer Taylor Wimpey originally put forward a plan to build 200 homes on land west of Warwick Road in picturesque Knowle village in January.

The proposal went before the latest session of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council's planning committee on December 10.

In a public consultation concerned residents raised the loss of green belt in their objections adding the plans appeared "too dense and out of character with the location".

Planning officer Lawrence Osborne said it had been judged there were very special circumstances which "clearly outweigh the harm to the green belt", making a recommendation for the committee to approve the plans.

In the public speaking section resident Ms Griggs, representing the Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath Neighbourhood Forum, said the plans did not comply with planning policies including that the layout would not enhance the natural environment.

"We are not asking for it to be refused, we ask you defer it and ask your officers to resolve these matters with Taylor Wimpey," she told the committee.

Charlotte Palmer, from planning agents Turley, stressed 40 per cent of the homes would be affordable.

"Your officers report clearly sets out why this scheme is justified including very special circumstances being demonstrated," she said.

"The site includes a significant gift of 18,000 square meters of land to the council for future expansion of Arden Academy."

In the debate of committee members Councillor Heather Delaney said: "Biodiversity net gain – a loss of 56.49 per cent habitat units.

"I appreciate the need for the land to be given to Arden School. I went to Arden School and it absolutely needs rebuilding.

"But I cannot support a loss of 56.49 per cent units, I find myself stuck on that position."

Cllr Bob Grinsell, the committee's chairman, said he had spotted Ms Palmer taking "copious notes" of those comments and was sure they would be taken on board.

The chairman then said: "We are once again looking at green belt and potential very special circumstances, and the dictate we have been given from above (the government)."

When he moved to the vote six councillors voted in favour with none against, and three abstentions.

Matters such as layout, scale, landscaping and appearance of the dwellings will form a 'reserved matters' application which the applicant will now need to submit to the authority for the committee to consider at a future meeting.