Plans for hundreds of new homes in Balsall Common have taken the next step forward despite campaigners' concerns they would harm views of a 200-year-old windmill.

Last April Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council planners gave Barwood Development Securities Ltd permission to build 250 homes – half of them affordable – on land at Pheasant Oak Farm in Hob Lane off Waste Lane.

As the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported last year campaigners were concerned the development would damage views of the landscape surrounding Berkswell Windmill, described by Historic England as "one of the best surviving tower mills in the West Midlands".

Councillors on the authority's planning committee gave the village development the green light despite a 1,000-signature petition and concerns from Meriden and Solihull East MP Saqib Bhatti.

And following permission being granted Jeanette McGarry, owner of Berkswell Windmill, vowed the fight was not over.

But with the principle of residential development approved for the Balsall Common site, Vistry Group has now submitted a reserved matters application to the authority.

This new application sets out how the development would be delivered with a focus on layout, appearance and landscaping arrangements.

Vistry says the homes would be energy efficient including solar panels, air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging provision.

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And they propose improved pedestrian and cycle links including enhancements to Millennium Way and a new pedestrian crossing on Waste Lane.

The site would also feature children's play areas, a community growing space and an orchard.

Vistry said the development would deliver approximately £5.5 million towards local infrastructure and services, including contributions to schools, healthcare and transport improvements.

A Vistry spokesperson said: "This next stage is about translating the approved principles into a well-designed, high-quality neighbourhood that responds positively to Balsall Common and delivers real benefits for both new and existing residents."

The application will appear on the authority's planning portal once validated and it is expected interested parties will then be able to make their views known during a consultation period.