A plan to build more than 100 new homes in Balsall Common is on course to be approved despite residents' complaints their village is being overdeveloped. 

Richborough Estates originally put forward the plans to build on land at Frog Lane in October 2023. 

Next week Solihull Council's planning committee will give its final verdict on whether to approve the outline application for the erection of up to 110 dwellings including affordable homes. 

The application is also for pedestrian/cycle access from Frog Lane, children's play areas and an ecological area, and demolition of the existing dwellings on the site.

A design and access statement included with the application said: "Development of this site represents a small-scale and likely visually discrete addition to the village.

"The applicant is committed to delivering a scheme that incorporates the views of the local community."

But in a consultation which took place in January, 14 objections were submitted against the plan raising issues including:

• Urbanisation and overdevelopment of the site and village
• Loss of countryside
• Loss of green belt land
• Traffic congestion
• Increased noise and disruption
• Increased pollution

A report from the authority's officers has been published ahead of the committee's meeting which is recommending the scheme is approved. 

Officers say they judge the proposed site for the homes to be 'grey belt' – a new concept identifying low-quality green belt land that can be built on. 

Officers write: "The proposal would utilise 'grey belt' land.

"There is an identified demonstrable unmet housing need for the type of development proposed. 

"The highway network impact of the proposed development can be addressed via a fair and reasonable developer contribution towards the wider highway network mitigation in Balsall Common.

"The relationship with neighbours is acceptable, and the quantum of development proposed could be accommodated on the site to ensure the amenities of existing residents living around the perimeter of the application site is protected."

The planning committee meeting, which is open to the public, is being held at the Civic Suite from 6pm next Wednesday, March 5.