Heavy Rain – Call for Developers and Planners
Dog Kennel Lane is subject to two large planning applications and as part of their submissions they have to address flood attenuation measures. I call on all parties to ensure that Pools and Ponds are designed to future proof not only the development but to help prevent excess water from flowing into Dickens Heath and Cheswick Green . My concern is with our climate changing and prolonged and heavier rainfall forecast the capacity must be in place to offer protection
Road Safety in Blythe Ward
At last night’s Stronger Communities Board meeting, I called on our local police to deliver a more visible and effective approach to speed enforcement across Blythe Ward. While we greatly appreciate the valuable work of community speed watch groups, we need a stronger police presence to make our roads safer. I urged for increased use of mobile speed vans, handheld speed cameras, and, where appropriate, average speed systems alongside more public education on road safety. The Police acknowledged these concerns and confirmed they will review the matter and provide feedback on how enforcement and visibility can be improved.
Petition to Stop Development
Land South of Norton Lane
Land South of Norton Lane
A planning application (PL/2025/01937) has been submitted seeking permission for 850 new houses.
Cllr Keith Green and Cllr Ken Hawkins will be objecting to this proposal due to major local concerns.
The site lacks the necessary infrastructure, including roads, schools, and healthcare capacity, to support such a large development.
It also represents a further erosion of the Green Belt, threatening local character and open spaces. There are also serious biodiversity concerns, with potential harm to wildlife habitats and the loss of natural green areas.
At present, Tidbury Green has around 850 properties, so this proposal would double the size of the village.
Any large development of this scale would have a significant impact on road traffic and local services, affecting neighbouring communities as well.
We would therefore urge residents of Dickens Heath and Cheswick Green to also consider submitting their objections.
We will post further details shortly on how to object and the opportunity to sign a petition..
Any large development of this scale would have a significant impact on road traffic and local services, affecting neighbouring communities as well.
We would therefore urge residents of Dickens Heath and Cheswick Green to also consider submitting their objections.
We will post further details shortly on how to object and the opportunity to sign a petition.
Safeguarding Nature and Bio-diversity
Safeguarding Nature and Biodiversity
Recently, Cllr Ken Hawkins and I have formally asked Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) to ensure that all existing trees and hedgerows are fully protected before any new development is approved. We have also requested that any Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) arising from proposed developments be applied directly to the development site itself, rather than being used as an offset in other areas. This approach will help maintain local habitats, strengthen biodiversity, and ensure genuine environmental benefits within our community.
Save our Trees and Hedgerows before Devolplment
Blythe ward councillors, Keith Green and Ken Hawkins have requested Solihull Planners to examine how trees and hedges on green belt land can be protected from destruction by developers who may wish to circumnavigate planning niceties.
In a letter to Mark Andrews, Solihull’s Head of Planning Design and Engagement, they refer to an incident a few years ago where many aged trees, including Oak trees about 100 years old, were destroyed by developers before planning permission had been granted. They wish to avoid a similar situation, and whilst most developers will abide by the proper process and help to work towards good outcomes for local communities they fear some speculative developers may not.
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Cllr Ken Hawkins stated ‘I am reminded of a previous situation to the destruction of the Forest of Isengard, in Lord of the Rings. We must avoid the same thing happening again’.
Cllr Keith Green says ‘We need to protect and preserve our environmental heritage. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever’.
Blythe Valley – Council Road Adoption
Blythe Valley – Council Road Adoption
After long and protracted conversations the adoption of roads on Blythe Valley is edging ever closer .
There are several road safety issues that need to be addressed and working with Council officers these have been identified and work will be carried upon the transfer of ownership
Also in time for next May local elections it has been agreed to provide a Polling Station on Blythe Valley, potential sites are being investigated.
Land South of Norton Lane
We have received notification that Summix FHS Developments have now submitted an outline planning application to SMBC .
This will now go through the validation process by the council which normally takes two to three weeks
In summary, the submitted proposals include: (Taken from the Summix document)
Up to 850 new homes, including 50% affordable provision and a mix of tenures and sizes, ensuring local families, young people and older residents can access high-quality accommodation within their community.
Over 25 hectares of accessible green space, play areas, parkland, allotments and nature-rich corridors resulting in a biodiversity net gain of at least 10%.
New amenities for the community, including a local centre with potential uses such as a local shop, café or community hall.
Traffic calming improvements to the existing highways conditions along Norton Lane, delivering raised table junctions, chicanes, crossings and enhanced gateway features to reduce vehicle speeds and address highways safety concerns raised by the local community.
A new flood alleviation scheme to help solve existing flooding issues along Norton Lane, benefitting in the region of 60 properties, while ensuring the proposals will not lead to any increase of flooding on-site or in the local area.
A mobility hub including new bus stops, bicycle parking, EV charging points, travel information and signage to assist with journey planning alongside a seating area to create a welcoming space for residents.
New cycle and footpaths to improve connections to key destinations, such as Wythall railway station, in addition to improvements to existing walkways and cycle paths, ensuring safe and accessible routes for pedestrians and cyclists.
Significant financial contributions, to be secured through s106 and CIL to Solihull Council, to improve local provision for health, education, transport and other types of community infrastructure.
As soon as we receive confirmation from Council officers we will post further
Polling Station for Blythe Valley
At next weeks Governance meeting on 24th September it has been recommended that Blythe Valley will have its own Polling Station for May 2026 , below is a small extract from the report :-
This is a new polling district that contains Blythe Valley. Following a number of submissions from local residents, this new polling district will enable the polling place to be located in Blythe Valley. If a suitable building is not available then a portacabin will be required.
Master Plan Petition presented to SMBC
There has been wide support for the petition which was presented to Council officers with the following letter
Petition calling for a Master Plan to help protect the villages of Blythe Ward against over development
A masterplan to support the villages of Blythe ward must put community needs at the heart of future development. With government housing targets placing growing pressure on our rural area, it is essential that new homes are only delivered alongside the right infrastructure. First and foremost, investment in better roads and transport links is vital. Many routes are already congested, so improvements must ensure safer, quicker travel while preserving the character of our countryside.
Equally important is access to essential services. A thriving community needs local shops, doctors’ surgeries, schools, and childcare provision within easy reach, reducing the need for long car journeys. Protecting and expanding green spaces should also form a central part of the plan. Parks, play areas, and walking routes not only enhance health and wellbeing but also safeguard wildlife and the unique rural setting that defines Blythe ward.
We, the residents of Blythe ward, call for a proper masterplan to support our villages before any further large-scale development is considered. Our community is already under pressure from government housing targets, and without the right infrastructure, our villages cannot cope.
A strong masterplan must deliver better roads and safer transport links to tackle congestion, along with local shops and services so residents can access everyday needs without long car journeys. Doctors’ surgeries, schools, and childcare must be provided to meet the needs of families now and in the future. Protecting and enhancing our green spaces is also vital, giving residents places to walk, play, and relax while safeguarding wildlife and preserving the rural character that makes Blythe ward special.
We urge decision-makers to put infrastructure first and stop piecemeal development that damages our countryside and overwhelms our services. With a clear, joined-up plan, growth can be managed responsibly, protecting the Green Belt and keeping our villages sustainable and vibrant for generations to come.
A big thank you to all who have supported the petition. To date 720 signatures have been received
