Why is a Hybrid Planning Application being submitted on the Site?

The site is characterised by an overprovision of parking and is an underutilised brownfield site. The proposed development represents a more efficient use of the land, with the residential element supporting the delivery of improved sporting facilities. 

A Hybrid Planning Application is being prepared to ensure the site can provide additional community facilities to local residents and to assist Solihull MBC in delivering much needed market and affordable housing in a highly sustainable area. 

In December 2024, Solihull MBC reported that their 5 Year Housing Land Supply amounts to 2.13 years. The current land supply of 2,963 dwellings has been identified, compared to a requirement of 6,946 dwellings. This is a significant difference and will require sites like this to come forward in an attempt to limit the gap between delivery and the local need. This site can help to meet this need within the urban area.

The Local Plan consists of Solihull Local Plan Shaping a Sustainable Future and was adopted in December 2013. 

Policy P5 of the Local Plan states that “new housing will be supported on unidentified sites in accessible locations where they contribute towards meeting identified borough-wide housing needs and towards enhancing local character and distinctiveness.” 

Policy P20 (Provision for Open Space, Children’s Play, Sport, Recreation and Leisure) states that “the Council will support proposals for new or improved sports and leisure facilities provided that the development: 

1. Addresses any shortfall in provision outlined in the Indoor Sports Facilities Strategy or the adopted Green Spaces Strategy (2006);  
2. Reflects the ‘town centre first’ principle outlined in national guidance and is of a scale and size appropriate to the hierarchy of Town Centres as defined in Policies P1 – Support Economic Success, P2 – Maintain Strong Competitive Town Centres, and P19 – Range and Quality of Local Services;  
3. Is situated within an accessible location as defined in Policy 7 – Accessibility, where the development is easily accessible to the local community and is well served, or is capable of being well served, by public transport, walking and cycling; and  
4. Accords with other Green Belt and Amenity policies in the Plan. Subject to the above criteria, the Council will support proposals for shared sports facilities at educational centres, where the facility also serves the local area.” 

The principle of the application is considered to comply with the policies set out above.