Solihull Council has approved detailed plans for up to 250 homes at Pheasant Oak Farm in Balsall Common despite sustained concerns that the development could harm the setting of the nearby 200-year-old Berkswell Windmill.
What was decided
The committee considered a reserved matters application covering the layout, scale, appearance and landscaping of the site off Waste Lane. Members were told the wider scheme, granted outline consent previously, includes a children's play area, a community orchard and designated nature areas. Around half of the houses are identified as affordable homes.
Local objections and heritage concerns
Residents and heritage campaigners spoke at the meeting, arguing the windmill’s setting should be safeguarded. Owner Jeanette McGarry told the committee:
"The committee will be aware we have the support of Saqib Bhatti, our local MP and councillors.
"The setting of the Berkswell Windmill should be protected – it is clearly important. We are not suggesting that there shouldn't be any housing – we are suggesting houses on the corner of Windmill Lane will interfere with the windmill."
Councillor Tony Dicicco described the windmill as an important "local, national and international landmark" and urged that an open area opposite the mill be retained as the ideal viewing point.
Developer response and councillors' view
A representative of Vistry Homes told the committee the company had made several amendments after discussions with the parish council, ward councillors and local residents. He said the scheme would "deliver on what the community needs and expects," and planning officers recommended the reserved matters for approval.
At the start of the debate the committee chairman, Councillor Bob Grinsell, acknowledged the developer had responded to his requests for public open space and other matters.
What the scheme includes
- Homes: up to 250 dwellings (outline permission previously granted)
- Affordable housing: around half of the proposed properties
- Open space: children's play area, community orchard and designated nature areas
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Site | Pheasant Oak Farm, off Waste Lane, Balsall Common |
| Number of homes | Up to 250 |
| Affordable homes | Approximately half of dwellings |
Implications for the village
The approval marks the next stage in a long-running planning process. While the reserved matters consent addresses appearance and landscaping, the debate at committee underscored ongoing tensions between meeting local housing needs and preserving the character and key views around heritage assets.
Campaigners will watch closely how landscaping, open space provision and any mitigation for the windmill’s setting are implemented in the on-the-ground layout. The decision is likely to prompt continued discussion in the parish about how best to balance development with protecting local amenity.
Further detailed documents and any conditions attached to the approval will be published on Solihull Council’s planning portal for those wishing to review the committee’s decision and the developer’s final scheme.
