Saqib Bhatti MBE MP, Member of Parliament for Meriden and Solihull East, has written to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council to formally object to Planning Application PL/2025/01826/PPFL, which proposes the construction of up to 133 dwellings on agricultural Green Belt land at Oakes Farm, Balsall Common.
The objection highlights multiple conflicts with Solihull Local Plan policies and raises significant concerns about environmental impact, flood risk, infrastructure pressures, and local character. Mr Bhatti stressed that the proposed development is located within designated Green Belt protected under Policy P17 (Countryside and Green Belt) and that the applicant has not demonstrated the “very special circumstances” required for building on protected land, and the development is considered harmful to the purpose of the Green Belt, which is to prevent inappropriate urban expansion and safeguard rural areas.
The MP also raised regarding the density and design of the scheme. The proposed 133 dwellings represent a high-density layout that is out of character with the surrounding rural area, a designated children’s play area within the proposal is described as extremely small and poorly positioned. The layout raises safety concerns and fails to provide meaningful recreational space for families, contrary to Policy P18 (Health and Wellbeing), which seeks to promote healthy lifestyles by ensuring adequate open space.
Mr Bhatti’s objection states that the development fails to meet statutory environmental requirements. Under the Environment Act 2021 and Solihull’s Natural Environment Policy, new developments must deliver a minimum 10% Biodiversity Net Gain. The application does not meet this requirement onsite and offers no clear strategy for mitigation or off-site compensation.
Flood risk is also highlighted as a major issue. The site and surrounding roads have a known history of flooding. Increasing hard standing through a large development would exacerbate surface water runoff, and the objection argues that the proposed SuDS features do not provide adequate long-term resilience. This is considered contrary to the Reducing Flood Risk Policy and national planning guidance.
The objection letter further notes that Balsall Common is facing multiple major housing proposals, including Frog Lane and Barratts Farm. The cumulative impact on local infrastructure, such as schools, healthcare, and roads is expected to be severe if additional large developments are approved.
Commenting, Saqib Bhatti MBE MP said: “Last week, I wrote to Solihull Council to formally object to the 133-Home Development at Oakes Farm in Balsall Common, an area which has been asked to shoulder considerable burden over recent years. This planning proposal conflicts with multiple Solihull Local Plan policies, fails to meet biodiversity and sustainability requirements, and poses unacceptable risks to local infrastructure and flood resilience. That is why I have now made my objections formal. I will always stand with residents against speculative development, and I will always do my upmost to protect our precious green belt.”
