Proposals
Emerging proposals
We are proposing a development of around 300 new homes to help meet Solihull’s housing needs. The scheme will offer a diverse mix of options for first-time buyers, families, and those wishing to downsize. It is presently envisaged that the scheme would provide up to 50% of the housing as affordable. This encompasses properties for rent or shared ownership, and potentially discounted First Homes.
Our vision goes beyond delivering new homes. We are committed to enhancing the local environment and supporting the community. In shaping these proposals, we have drawn on guidance from the Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath Neighbourhood Plan to ensure the development feels fully integrated with its surroundings. We are keen to work with the local community and welcome feedback to help shape the proposals as they evolve.
We will be submitting an outline planning application, which seeks to agree the principle of the development and the general arrangement of built areas and green spaces. At this stage, we are not seeking approval for detailed layout, appearance of houses or detailed landscape design. Those details will come later in a reserved matters application.
The site
Illustrative Development Framework Plan
The site sits on the eastern edge of Knowle, bordered by Kenilworth Road, Kixley Lane and the Grand Union Canal.
We are committed to designing the development in a way that respects Knowle’s existing character, enhances the local environment, and delivers a measurable net gain in biodiversity.
Site boundary
Shared pedestrian and vehicular access
Low density development
Medium density development
Higher density development
Primary street
Secondary street
Tertiary street
Private lane
Active travel route (cycle and pedestrian)
Existing vegetation and root protection zones
Proposed planting
Proposed orchard
Proposed wildflower planting
Sustainable drainage
Existing public right of way
Existing grand union canal walking path
Proposed pedestrian connections
Equipped play space
Natural play / play on the way
Opportunity for public artwork
Ecological enhancement area
Proposed community car park and school drop off point
Key features
Key features for the new and existing community
- Around 300 new homes in a range of sizes and tenures
- Up to 50% affordable homes, meeting local need
- Enhancing walking and cycling paths
- New community park with orchards, a sports pitch and children’s play areas
- Dedicated parking facilities for school drop-off, countryside access and community use
- Coach access provision for Knowle Primary Academy
- A net gain in biodiversity
Why this site?
A carefully considered site
Across Solihull there is a need for more homes. The Council’s emerging Local Plan identifies a requirement to deliver approximately 24,000 homes over the next 18 years. The Council has already identified land for approximately 18,000 homes from existing sources and brownfield land but still requires 5,700 homes to be identified from new allocations on land that is currently in the Green Belt.
For this reason, the Council has looked at a range of potential locations around the Borough that could be suitable for new homes. In 2019, this site at Golden End was identified as an ‘amber’ option, defined as being a ‘less harmful’ site. The Council’s conclusion was that the site is well contained with clearly defined boundaries and located in a highly accessible location to shops, schools and other local services.
Because of this, the Council considered it to be a place where new homes could be sensitively designed, provided that landscape, heritage and green space are central to the proposals. Our approach does exactly that, keeping the northern fields open and strengthening natural boundaries.
Timeline
How will the project move forward?
Timeline is subject to change due to planning and consultation.
January 2026
Consultation with the community commences.
March 2026
Anticipated submission of an outline planning application for consideration by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.
Autumn/Winter 2026
Anticipated determination of the proposals by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.
2027 onwards
If outline permission is approved, detailed designs for the development will be brought forward through a reserved matters application.