Appeal success for houses in Dorridge: Permission granted for up to 5 homes in grey belt

Tyler-Parkes has won a planning appeal securing planning permission on land between 39 and 79 Earlswood Road, Dorridge. Acting as planning consultant, Tyler-Parkes managed the planning strategy, application process and appeal representation, resulting in the appeal being allowed and granting Permission in Principle (PiP) for between 1 and 5 self or custom-build plots/dwellings (decision dated 4 February 2026).The Inspector acknowledged harm to landscape and character and impact the Local Wildlife Site (LWS), but this was limited. The Inspector also confirmed the site's status  as 'grey belt' -see our article....-.  He also confirmed that the site was previously developed land (PDL). 

Finally, and significantly, he attached significant weight to Solihull’s housing land supply (HLS) shortfall, stated as 2.13 years as in April 2024. This lack of supply meant that the “tilted balance” was engaged.These above factors confirmed the site status and that the proposal was 'not inappropriate' development in the Green Belt, and potentially acceptable if four critical tests are satisfied: 

1) There is a demonstrable need for it (lack of housing land supply),

2) The location is sustainable (within walking distance of the village centre and transport),

3) Any harm remains limited (in a run of development) and 

4) The proposal complies with the 'Golden Rules' - see our article

The Inspector concluded the adverse impacts did not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of delivering homes, and PiP was granted.

Detailed design, layout, ecology and mitigation will be addressed at Technical Details Consent stage.