Solihull Villages Reclassified as Towns to Safeguard Green Belt

Councillors in Solihull have officially reclassified the picturesque villages of Knowle, Dorridge, and Bentley Heath as a single town in a significant move aimed at protecting the borough’s green belt. This decision was confirmed during a climate change and planning session on October 23, 2023, marking a pivotal moment in local governance and urban planning.

The new designation of Knowle, Dorridge, and Bentley Heath (KDBH) as a town, along with Balsall Common’s similar status change, was driven by the need to implement planning policies that abide by national regulations. According to the portfolio holder for climate change and planning, Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, this decision is of “national significance.”

During the meeting, Councillor Mackiewicz noted that the move aims to prevent the merging of these villages by categorizing them under town planning regulations, which offer more protection than those applicable to villages. “A driver for this was planning applications around Knowle and Dorridge asserting that this is grey belt,” he stated.

The reclassification proposal was initially put forward by Solihull Council officers earlier this year. Following a six-week consultation conducted in the summer, the council found that 55 percent of the 165 residents who participated supported the change for KDBH. Additionally, 40 percent expressed a desire for Balsall Common to be treated as a single settlement as well.

Impact on Local Planning and Development

The reclassification is significant in how planning policies will be enforced concerning the green belt and grey belt—areas deemed lower quality and potentially suitable for housing. By defining KDBH as a town, the green belt will serve to restrict development and maintain the distinct character of these areas. In contrast, villages lack such protection under current planning frameworks.

Councillor Oliver Farr emphasized the perceived differences between towns and villages, noting, “To a lot of people, a village is a nice high street and a town is a bit more industrial. But for the purposes of this, to protect the green belt, it almost needs to be a town.”

Despite this reclassification, both councillors and planning officers have reassured residents that the change is strictly for planning purposes. Residents will continue to identify their communities as villages, retaining their local identities.

The decision not to reclassify Dickens Heath as a town stemmed from its relatively low population of 4,900 and a general lack of services and facilities that would warrant such a designation. However, the option remains open for future consideration should the village expand.

Government Housing Commitments and Local Concerns

This move comes in light of the UK government’s commitment to build 1.5 million homes nationally during the current parliamentary term, with Solihull facing a target of 8,500 homes. The introduction of the grey belt concept has raised concerns among local officials and residents regarding the potential encroachment on green spaces.

Over the past year, Solihull Council has received numerous applications for new housing estates on the green belt, further complicating the balance between development and preservation of natural spaces. The recent reclassification is seen as a proactive measure to safeguard these areas against future developments that could undermine the green belt’s integrity.

The decisions made by Solihull Council reflect a growing trend among local governments to adapt planning strategies in response to national housing demands while striving to preserve the character and environment of their communities. As the council continues to navigate these challenges, the recent changes in classification may serve as a crucial step toward maintaining the balance between growth and conservation.