Solihull Council Opens Six-Week Consultation on Draft Local Plan
Residents and stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the proposed plan guiding future development and planning decisions in the borough.
By Aisha Mahmood
••3 min read
AI
Generic image of the red-brick facade of a traditional town hall with an ornate balcony and iron railings, under warm afternoon sunlight and a blue sky.
Solihull Council has announced a six-week public consultation on its Draft Local Plan, inviting residents, businesses, and stakeholders to comment on the document that will guide future development across the borough.
The consultation, which begins next week, follows recommendations from Cabinet and Full Council to publish the Draft Submission Plan, also known as the Regulation 19 Plan. This stage focuses on the plan's legal compliance and soundness according to national planning requirements.
Solihull's Local Plan serves as a blueprint for future planning decisions, determining where and when major developments can occur. The draft incorporates significant recent changes to national planning policy, including updated housing requirements and Green Belt policy, and acknowledges emerging strategic planning arrangements from the West Midlands Combined Authority and the West Midlands Mayor.
Interested parties can submit their representations via the Emerging Local Plan webpage. All feedback received will be submitted alongside the Local Plan for consideration during the ‘Examination in Public’ (EiP), overseen by a nominated Inspector. Following the examination, the Inspector will issue a report, and if the Plan is deemed sound and legally compliant, the Council can adopt it, potentially with modifications subject to further consultation.
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"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."
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"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."
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"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."
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"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 on the Emerging Local Plan webpage. This page will also provide information about drop-in events across the borough where council officers will be available to discuss the consultation.
The consultation will open during the week commencing Monday 26 October and will close after six weeks. Exact dates will be available on the webpage. The Government has set a deadline of 31 December 2026 for plans under the legacy system to be submitted for examination.
