Solihull Council Approves Draft Local Plan for Regulation 19 Consultation

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council has taken a significant step towards adopting a new Local Plan, following a vote at Full Council on Tuesday 6 October 2026 to approve the Draft Submission Plan for publication and consultation.

The decision marks an important milestone in the preparation of a replacement for the borough's existing Local Plan, which was adopted in 2013.

The emerging plan sets out a strategy for development through to 2043, addressing housing requirements, employment growth, infrastructure and the future of the Green Belt.

A substantial increase in housing requirements

One of the principal challenges facing Solihull is the significant increase in its housing requirement under the Government's revised standard method. The borough's annual housing need has increased from 816 to approximately 1,289 dwellings per year, placing considerable pressure on the Council to identify sufficient land for new development.

The Draft Submission Plan identifies capacity for approximately 23,000 new homes between 2026 and 2043, including existing commitments, proposed allocations, development around railway stations and other sources of housing supply.

Green Belt and railway station development

Of particular interest to landowners and developers are the opportunities arising from changes to national Green Belt policy.

The emerging plan identifies substantial potential for residential development around well-connected railway stations, including Berkswell, Dorridge, Hampton in Arden and Whitlock's End.

The revised National Planning Policy Framework also introduces opportunities for development on land meeting the definition of grey belt, subject to the relevant policy requirements.

Importantly, the emerging Local Plan does not automatically remove these areas from the Green Belt. Individual proposals will still need to demonstrate compliance with national and local planning policies.

What happens next?

Following the Council's approval, the Draft Submission Plan is expected to proceed to a six-week Regulation 19 consultation.

Unlike earlier consultations, this stage focuses primarily on whether the plan is legally compliant and sound, including whether its policies and proposed development strategy are justified, effective and consistent with national planning policy.

The Council intends to submit the plan for independent examination before the end of December 2026, with adoption currently anticipated in early 2028.

Opportunities for landowners and developers

The emerging plan represents an important opportunity for those with land interests across Solihull, particularly where sites are located close to existing settlements, railway stations or areas identified for future growth. However, the Council's decision does not mean that the proposed policies or allocations have been adopted. Planning applications will continue to be assessed against the existing development plan and other material considerations, including emerging national and local policies.

At Tyler Parkes, we are closely monitoring the emerging Local Plan and its implications for development opportunities throughout the borough.

With extensive experience in planning, architecture and land promotion across Solihull and the wider Midlands, we can assist landowners and developers in assessing the potential of their sites, preparing representations and progressing planning applications.

The forthcoming Regulation 19 consultation will be an important opportunity to influence the final form of the plan before its independent examination.