Solihull’s Green Belt Protection Leads to “Town” Status for Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath
- TP Editorial Team
- Oct 30
- 1 min read
Solihull Council has made what one senior councillor called a “decision of national significance” by reclassifying Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath (KDBH) as a single town — a move designed to strengthen Green Belt protection around the settlements.
The change means that, in planning terms, the Green Belt will now serve to prevent the new town from merging with other settlements, rather than separating the three villages from each other. Balsall Common has also been given town status, while Dickens Heath will remain classified as a village for now.
The decision follows a public consultation showing majority support for the change. Councillor Andy Mackiewicz said the move was driven by recent planning applications referencing Solihull’s new “Grey Belt” — areas of weaker Green Belt performance identified as potentially suitable for housing.Importantly, councillors emphasised that the reclassification is purely for planning purposes: residents can still consider their homes to be in villages.
With Solihull required to deliver around 8,500 homes under national housing targets, this strategic change reflects the complex balance between meeting housing needs and maintaining Green Belt protection.
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