#planning-policy

#planning-policy

Solihull Council has proposed reclassifying four villages - Knowle, Dorridge, Bentley Heath and Balsall Common - as towns to limit the impact of grey belt planning reforms. By changing how these settlements are officially defined, councils aim to influence where development can take place and protect the character of rural areas. Solihull's Draft Settlement Hierarchy consultation proposes that certain rural settlements be considered towns rather than villages.

Yet, recent changes to national planning policy could unlock new potential avenues for tracking down land; specifically, alterations made to the policy around brownfield sites. In 2024, the government pledged its support for the development of brownfield land - that is, land that's previously been developed for another, usually industrial, purpose. It also released £68 million's worth of funding to select local authorities to help clear empty buildings, former carparks and industrial land for house building, including self and custom build.

A notable finding amid the recent OBR growth forecast is that housebuilding is expected to hit its highest level in 40 years, adding significant economic growth.