Members of the Forum’s planning team recently met up with partners and the Practice Manager from the Arden Medical Centre. A team member said, “We wanted to draw to the doctors’ attention all the developments that are in the pipeline in and around Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath. Several schemes have already been approved. Others are awaiting a decision from Solihull’s Planning Committee.”

The meeting follows others with GPS Healthcare (Knowle Doctors’ Surgery) and with the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board. From major schemes, the Council collects financial contributions from developers. Amongst other things, these are intended to be spent on enhanced primary health care in the area.

The Forum’s spokesperson added, “We wanted to make sure that the doctors know what is going on so that they can be planning for expanded local services. Pressure on the NHS is always a concern of local residents.” The doctors were provided with a plan showing intended major developments in the area.

Major Development Proposals – KDBH and vicinity

1. Inspired Villages – approval granted for first phase of 48 extra-care units
2. Inspired Villages – outline permission for second phase of 122 units
3. Kler Group – up to 450 homes approved
4. Taylor Wimpey – up to 200 homes approved
5. Spitfire homes – 25 homes – decision awaited
6. Hampton Rd – application for up to 200 homes awaited
7. Former Wyndley Garden Centre – 85 extra-care units approved – options being considered
8. Blue Lake Road – up to 350 homes – decision awaited
9. Golden End Farms – up to 300 homes – decision awaited
10. Blacksmith’s Fold – 22 homes – decision awaited
11. Widney Manor Road – up to 285 homes – decision awaited
12. Kineton Lane – industrial and logistics development – 1,770 jobs – decision awaited
13. West of Stratford Road – up to 268 homes – decision awaited
14. School Road – up to 99 homes – approved
15. Aylesbury Road – up to 330 homes – decision awaited
16. Gentleshaw Lane – up to 145 homes – approved