Local Plan Review 2026-2043 Issues and Options Consultation

Importance of a Plan Led System

8. At the heart of planning is the need to plan positively for sustainable development. One of the principal ways this is achieved is by having a local plan to guide the development of an area. Having a local plan is key to delivering sustainable development that reflects the vision and aspirations of local communities. The aim is that local authorities should positively seek opportunities, through their local plan, to meet the development needs of their area. The Council’s local plan addresses the spatial implications of economic, social and environmental change that is happening to the Borough, both now and in the future.

How Could it Affect Me?

9. The local plan as a whole sets out the future spatial strategy for the Borough and includes the allocation of sites to promote development. It also identifies land where development would be inappropriate because of its impact on, for instance, environmental or historic assets; and it also incorporates a strategy for enhancing the natural, built and historic environment.

What will happen if we don’t identify enough land for new development?

10. National planning policy requires the supply of land for housing to be significantly boosted, and without an adequate supply of land for new dwellings, access to the homes that we all need becomes ever more difficult. Equally, land for commercial needs has to be managed to ensure that both existing businesses can flourish whilst also providing an opportunity to attract new business into the Borough. Of course, we also need to recognise the special place that Solihull is, and this plan seeks to ensure that the right balance is achieved between providing land for new development and protecting what makes Solihull special.
     
11. If the Council does not have an appropriate plan in place, it will be unable to demonstrate a rolling ‘5 year land supply’ and become increasingly exposed to speculative developments that may not be situated in the most sustainable or appropriate locations. This would mean that policies in the 2013 plan would be considered out-of-date and lead to less influence over the impact, including through inappropriate design, that some developments may have. The increased risk of speculative development proposals would likely lead to development and growth taking place in an unplanned manner, placing additional pressure on infrastructure without guaranteeing the opportunity to plan positively for measures that can mitigate the impacts. In addition, the Secretary of State could intervene in the Council’s plan making powers thus taking away local choice about where development should be accommodated.