As part of the evidence base for the borough’s emerging Local Plan, Solihull Council has published an updated Green Belt Assessment (GBA).
The independent study, commissioned by the Council and undertaken by Arup, has been prepared in line with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) published in December 2024 and Planning Practice Guidance updated in February 2025.
This updated GBA reflects significant national Green Belt policy changes, including the introduction of the concept of "grey belt" land. It also replaces the Council's previous 2016 Green Belt study. As the assessment follows national policy and guidance, it has been necessary to identify areas of potential grey belt.
Comments on the GBA are not being invited at this stage – there will be the opportunity to comment on the evidence supporting the Local Plan when consultation on the next phase of the plan is launched. The evidence will later be reviewed by the independent Inspector appointed to examine the plan.
Cllr Andy Mackiewicz, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Planning Portfolio, commented:
“This updated GBA is needed as an evidence document to inform our emerging Local Plan – it should not be viewed as setting Council policy on Green Belt matters. Decisions about whether any sites should be released from the Green Belt to meet future development needs across the borough will be made through the Local Plan process.
“I also want to be clear, the identification of potential grey belt land does not mean those areas are suitable for development. Nor does it mean that entire land parcels assessed as containing grey belt would automatically be considered for development
“We hope that by publishing the GBA ahead of the next stage of the Local Plan, residents and interested parties will have more time to digest the content before the next round of consultation on the plan begins.”
For more information about the emerging Local Plan and to view the Green Belt Assessment, visit Emerging Local Plan | Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.