Proposed new homes in a Solihull village are set to be given the go-ahead despite objections from locals. 

Applicant Rainier Developments Limited wants to build 18 homes on land at Catchems Corner, off Waste Lane in Balsall Common. 

The application was originally lodged with Solihull Council in 2023 and a final decision will be made by the authority's planning committee next week. 

The applicant has committed to nine of the units being affordable – five provided as social rent with four as shared ownership. 

The site is in Solihull's green belt and would be regarded as inappropriate development.

But the applicant, in a planning statement included with the application, said: "The harm to the green belt by reason of its inappropriateness is considered limited. 

"Given the screening provided by the mature landscaping around the site, the relatively flat topography of the site, and the immediate built-up surroundings, the proposed development would not be highly visible in the wider landscape."

During a consultation five letters of objection were submitted to the authority including from ward councillor Andrew Burrow and Berkswell Parish Council. 

The objections included:

• The homes would "severely damage" the openness of the greenbelt 
• The site would put additional pressure on local roads
• Lack of school places in Balsall Common
• It would be out of keeping with the local area 

In a report for the committee planning officers recommend the application be approved, subject to conditions and the completion of a section 106 agreement. 

Planning officers wrote: "The proposal causes limited harm to the openness of the green belt as it would involve new development into an area which is currently open in character. 

"An education contribution of £244,606.51 towards education provision requirements arising as a result of the proposed development is required – this will ensure that school places are available in the area.

"There is a pressing need for more affordable housing in the borough. 

"The housing and other benefits (affordable housing, economic benefits and biodiversity net gain) would clearly outweigh the combination and extent of harms to the green belt."

The application is on the agenda for the committee's next meeting, to be held on Wednesday, February 5.