A second planning application at the Arden Triangle was approved by Solihull Council’s Planning Committee on 21 May 2025. This is the application by the Kler Group for up to 450 houses together with land for a primary school and “infrastructure, engineering works, open space and associated works.
The decision (which is subject to the completion of a legal agreement) follows on from the approval in February (to be ratified in June) of Inspired Village’s proposals at Stripes Hill House for an “integrated retirement community” with approximately 170 extra care units. A third application, by Taylor Wimpey, is awaiting consideration. This is for up to 200 dwellings. Finally, a fourth application on land owned by the Gardner family is expected later this year and may include about 40 more homes.
Kler Group’s planning application takes in the land within the southern part of the Arden Triangle and extends down to Grove Road. The site is effectively divided into two by open space in the form of a Local Wildlife Site centred on the Cuttle Brook.
Full details of the proposed access arrangements are set out in the application. There would be two access off Warwick Road and a further two off Grove Road. Off-site mitigation works are also proposed.
Whilst illustrative material on appearance, landscaping, layout and scale are included within the application, these are “reserved matters”. Approval to the actual details will be sought at a later date; and development on the primary school site will need to be the subject of a further planning application.
The Forum has fought long and hard to try and improve the proposed plans. “The approved scheme includes many things that we regard as unsatisfactory” said Forum Chair, Roger Cook. “We were looking for improvements at the junction of Grove Road with Warwick Road – and elsewhere. We also see the density of the housing and building heights as too high. Landscaping is another issue.”
Another controversial element has been the site for the primary school. “The site is in the wrong place and the access will be a nightmare. Children using the bridleway will also be at significant risk” added Roger.
The next stage will be approval of the detailed plans. The Forum will be seeking meaningful engagement with both the Council and the applicant. “Consultation is imperative” was the message given to the applicant’s agent by Councillor Bob Grinsell, Chair of the Planning Committee.