Residents, businesses and stakeholders will have the opportunity to comment on Solihull’s new Draft Local Plan when a formal six-week consultation opens next week.
The consultation follows recommendations from Cabinet and Full Council to publish the Local Plan – Draft Submission Plan, also known as the Regulation 19 Plan, ahead of its submission to the Secretary of State for independent examination.
At this stage the consultation focuses on whether the plan is legally compliant and sound, in line with national planning requirements.
Solihull’s Local Plan will guide the development of the borough over the coming years. It is the basis for future planning decisions as it creates a ‘blueprint’ for when and where major developments can take place, and where they shouldn’t take place.
Significant recent changes to national planning policy, including updated housing requirements and changes to Green Belt policy are reflected in the Draft Plan, which also acknowledges the emerging strategic planning arrangements coming forward from the West Midlands Combined Authority and the West Midlands Mayor.
Interested parties should make their representations via the Emerging Local Plan webpage. All representations received as part of this consultation will be submitted alongside the Local Plan to be considered as part of the ‘Examination in Public’ (EiP), which is a key period of scrutiny before a plan can be adopted. The EiP will be overseen by a nominated Inspector appointed on behalf of the Secretary of State.
Once the examination concludes, the Inspector will issue a report which will summarise the findings of their examination. If the Plan is found to be sound and legally compliant, the Council will then be allowed to adopt the Plan, or the Inspector may suggest that it is modified. If the Inspector agrees the Plan needs to be modified, any such amendments would be subject to a further period of consultation.
Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Planning, commented:
"The Local Plan is one of the most important documents the Council produces. It sets out how Solihull can meet future housing, employment and infrastructure needs while protecting our environment and ensuring development takes place in the right locations.
“We have incorporated feedback from the consultation held earlier in the year, as well as responding to the significant changes to national planning policy over recent years.
“Our plan seeks to protect the features that make Solihull a special place to live, such as the Green Belt and Meriden Gap; whilst meeting Government targets and providing homes and jobs suitable for all – in a managed and sustainable way.
"I encourage everyone with an interest in the future of the borough to review the Plan and submit their comments during the consultation period."
Full details of the Draft Submission Plan, supporting documents and information on how to make representations will be available at the Emerging Local Plan webpage when the consultation opens. This page will also provide information about drop-in events scheduled across the borough, where people can discuss the consultation in person with council officers.
The consultation will open during the week commencing Monday 26 October, and will close after six weeks. Please see the webpage for the exact dates.
Notes to editors
The Government has set a deadline of 31 December 2026 for plans being pursued under the legacy system to be submitted for examination.
