A petition has been launched in a last-ditch attempt to stop 250 homes being built next to a 200-year-old windmill.

Solihull councillors will this week decide on Barwood Development Securities Ltd's application for the houses on land at Pheasant Oak Farm, in Hob Lane off Waste Lane in Balsall Common.

A report to be discussed on Wednesday (April 2) has recommended the scheme be approved, but the owner of the neighbouring Berkswell Windmill has launched a petition calling on councillors to throw out the plans.

"Please act now - to demand new public green space opposite our iconic Berkswell Windmill instead of houses," Jeanette McGarry wrote on the petition.

"Barwood, the developers are choosing to leave brownfield land within their site undeveloped and build on agricultural land opposite the historic grade II listed Berkswell Windmill instead.

"Together we can demand that the developer uses all the brownfield areas of the site and move the green spaces to the corner of Windmill Lane/Hob Lane. 

"The decision has been brought forward to Solihull Council's planning committee 5.30 pm 2nd April so your support is needed now."

The plans for the new estate would see half the new houses labelled affordable.

The development would also 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.

The report ahead of this week's meeting said: " "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."

See the petition here.