New train rules could bring more homes to Solihull

Developers could face a much more favourable planning environment for housing close to railway stations after the Government introduced new planning rules this month.

The changes, announced on 17 August, mean high-density housing around well-connected train and tram stations will receive a "default yes" approach where schemes meet the relevant requirements.

The Government says the changes are intended to help deliver thousands of new homes while allowing people to live closer to jobs, schools and public transport.

The changes could be particularly significant for Solihull, which has more than 11 railway stations across the borough.

Solihull Conservatives have already warned that the new rules could lead to greater development pressure around stations, including on Green Belt land.

And several housing proposals around Solihull already point to nearby railway stations when making the case for their developments.

130 homes proposed in Hampton-in-Arden

One of the clearest examples is in Hampton-in-Arden, where Cityheart is preparing an outline planning application for up to 130 homes on land off Old Station Road.

The site is bounded by the West Coast Main Line, the M42 and existing housing.

The developer's plans include up to 50 per cent affordable housing, with homes ranging from two to five bedrooms.

Crucially, the proposal is also close to Hampton-in-Arden railway station.

The developer says the station can be reached in around a 16-minute walk from the site.

The scheme is still at the pre-application stage, meaning it has not been granted planning permission.

That distinction is important because the new Government rules were only introduced on August 17.

It would therefore be wrong to say the new policy has already resulted in the 130 homes being approved.

But the Hampton-in-Arden proposal is an example of how access to rail services can form part of the argument for building new homes in a location.

Up to 180 homes planned in Tidbury Green

Another sizeable proposal is being prepared in Tidbury Green.

Bloor Homes is promoting plans for up to 180 new homes, with half proposed to be affordable.

The development would also include around 10.1 hectares of public open space and green infrastructure, along with new walking and cycling connections.

The developer behind a separate proposal for land south of Norton Lane has also specifically highlighted the site's proximity to existing railway stations as one of the reasons it considers the location suitable for new housing.

Its consultation material says the proposals would deliver new homes "in close proximity to existing train stations", alongside new amenities.

Again, these proposals should not be confused with planning permissions granted under the new rules.

They show, however, that rail accessibility is already an important part of the conversation around new housing in south Solihull.

Hundreds more homes proposed around Shirley

There are also much larger housing schemes being brought forward around Shirley and Dog Kennel Lane.

Richborough has an outline proposal for 550 homes on land off Dog Kennel Lane, while Taylor Wimpey is preparing plans for approximately 700 homes on land south of Dog Kennel Lane.

Planning documents for the Dog Kennel Lane proposals have highlighted access to Solihull railway station, including by bus, bicycle and car.

One transport assessment said Solihull station could be reached by bus in around 12 minutes, by bicycle in around 15 to 20 minutes, or by car in 10 to 15 minutes.

These proposals are therefore another example of developers considering public transport connections when putting forward large housing schemes.

But, again, the projects were being developed before the latest national planning changes and should not be described as having received permission because of the new train-station rules.

Conservatives warn of pressure on Green Belt

Solihull Conservatives have criticised the changes, warning that they could put pressure on Green Belt land around stations.

They point to the number of railway stations across the borough and say some are close to green spaces and established residential communities.

The party has argued that good public transport connections should be taken into account when planning new homes, but that being close to a railway station should not automatically justify high-density development.

The Government, meanwhile, says the reforms are designed to increase housing supply and encourage development in locations with good transport connections.

What could it mean for Solihull?

The impact is likely to become clearer as developers submit new applications and the council works on its new Local Plan.

Solihull Council's 2026-2043 Local Plan is currently being prepared, with the council having already held its Issues and Options consultation earlier this year.

That means the new national rules arrive at a significant time for the borough.

With major housing proposals already being discussed in places such as Hampton-in-Arden, Tidbury Green and Shirley, railway access could become an increasingly important part of the argument over where Solihull's future homes should be built.

For now, there is no evidence that the new rules have directly secured planning permission for any of these schemes.

But the Government has changed the planning landscape — and with more than 11 stations across Solihull, the borough could be one to watch as developers look for opportunities to build new homes close to the railway.