Hundreds of homes set for approval despite impact on historic windmill
Hundreds of homes could get approval this week despite campaigners concerns it could damage views of a 200-year-old windmill.
Applicant Barwood Development Securities Ltd wants to build 250 homes – half of them affordable – on land at Pheasant Oak Farm, in Hob Lane off Waste Lane in Balsall Common.
Solihull Council's planning committee will meet this week to make a decision on the application originally lodged with the authority in 2023.
The plans include a children's play areas; community orchard and ecological areas; pedestrian and cycle access from Waste Lane and Windmill Lane to "enhance connection into the village" and a sustainable drainage system.
A design and planning statement included with the application said: "Balsall Common is a highly sustainable location and a desirable place to live.
"The proposals will transform a site on the council's current brownfield register and create a high-quality development with a strong identity and distinct sense of place.
"A development which respects and complements the identified local character and will deliver housing to meet local needs."
But during the public consultations two key concerns were raised – that the site is located in the green belt with no very special circumstances existing to justify it and the effect on the Grade II Listed building Berkswell Windmill.
In its submission Historic England wrote: "The main designated heritage asset affected by the scheme is the impressive tower windmill of Berkswell Mill.
"This is one of the best surviving tower mills in the West Midlands and is a picturesque feature of the landscape.
"We feel this development would cause a lower level of less than substantial harm to the Grade II listed building's significance and setting – it is vital then that the council are fully satisfied of its (the homes) potential impact."
In a statement owner of the windmill Jeanette McGarry said: " We are not asking for much, just a tweak to the planning application conditions – a green open space so that the public can enjoy year round iconic views of this incredible working windmill.
"We are not objecting to the houses- we think the park will enhance the whole scheme and bring enjoyment to residents and the public at large."
In a report for the committee Solihull Council officers write: "The environmental, social and economic benefits of the proposed development are very substantial in this case.
"These public benefits would include the provision of housing in a sustainable location and delivery of affordable housing.
"Policies that protect designated heritage assets do not provide a clear reason for refusing the proposed development."
Officers, who recommend the scheme is approved by committee members, also write they judge the land to be 'grey belt – lower quality green belt.
The planning committee meeting, which is open to the public, is being held at the Civic Suite from 5.30pm on Wednesday, April 2.
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