The Liberal Democrat decision to gain control of Solihull Council by combining with the small Labour group has led to controversial plans for over11,500 additional homes under the 2006-2026 Core Strategy. This was the number demanded by the previous Labour government and will mean extensive building on Solihull’s countryside. They also caved in to Labour’s demand to release Green Belt land for commercial development.
The new government announced that housing targets are abolished and said councils should consult with local communities about the needs of their area rather than impose pre-selected development sites. Conservative councillors are opposing the Lib/Lab attempt to concrete over valuable green spaces.