Planning permission has now been granted for a major new affordable housing development in Chelmsley Wood, marking a significant milestone in Solihull Council’s partnership with the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, Vistry Group PLC to deliver 177 high‑quality, sustainable new homes for local residents.
The scheme will transform the site of the former Simon Digby School. This well connected spot, located between the Chester Road (A452) and the M6, was originally earmarked for housing development in the adopted 2013 Solihull Local Plan.
Planning approval follows extensive preparatory work undertaken by Solihull Council ahead of the application, including initial feasibility studies, concept masterplanning, and land interest acquisition through the UK Central Infrastructure Programme. These early stage activities aided by funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), ensured the site was ready for development ahead of appointing a developer.
Councillor Mark Parker, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:
“Here in Solihull, we’re serious about stepping up to the challenge of building the new homes our residents need while also setting the highest quality threshold for energy efficiency and sustainability.
“After a huge amount of feasibility work and master planning undertaken by the council, it’s fantastic to see this site moving ahead with a scheme that not only provides much needed family housing but also embraces modern, low‑carbon construction. Working with Vistry and the West Midlands Combined Authority, we are helping to create a sustainable, welcoming new neighbourhood where residents can put down roots and thrive.”
National homebuilder Vistry are now set to deliver the 100% affordable scheme, which will provide a mix of two‑, three‑ and four‑bedroom family homes alongside one‑bedroom maisonettes to meet local housing needs.
Fraser Hopes, Acting Managing Director of Vistry South West Midlands, said:
“We are delighted to receive approval for this 100% affordable development, which will make a meaningful contribution towards addressing the local housing shortage. By delivering high-quality family homes using environmentally responsible construction methods, we are committed to building a sustainable future for Chelmsley Wood.
“We look forward to working with Solihull Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to support Solihull’s continued growth and to create a vibrant, inclusive community where people can thrive. These much-needed new homes will not only enhance the character of the area but also set a benchmark for sustainable development in the region.”
All homes will be built using modern methods of construction (MMC), with open‑panel timber frames manufactured off‑site at Vistry Works East Midlands in Leicestershire. Each MMC home is expected to emit 14,460kg CO₂e less than a traditional brick‑and‑block build and will offer excellent energy efficiency. Properties will feature air source heat pumps and integrated solar PV panels, helping future residents reduce energy bills while supporting the borough’s climate commitments.
The development will also create a strong sense of place, with plans for a new play area, nature trail, and attractive public spaces. Residents will benefit from new cycle lanes and footpaths connecting to local centres and the wider Cole Valley landscape. The scheme is supported by a £2.97m WMCA investment through devolved housing and land funds.
Richard Parker, West Midlands Mayor, said:
“Too many people in the West Midlands don’t have a safe, warm and affordable place to call home. They deserve better, and that’s why I’m committed to building thousands of new social rent and affordable homes like these at Simon Digby.
“Embracing the use of modern methods of construction also means we can build high quality, low carbon homes at pace.
“And the faster we can build these new types of homes, the quicker we get families out of temporary accommodation and into homes that are genuinely affordable and cheaper for them to power and heat.”