Small housing developments in Solihull have been given the go-ahead by the planning committee for the last time before the power is taken away from them.

As the Local Democracy Reporting Service previously reported the meeting on October 21 was the final chance for Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council's (SMBC) planning committee to deal with these types of applications before major changes come into force in November.

The first was an application to build five homes on land fronting Wood Lane, Manor Farm in Earlswood which received 20 objections in a public consultation.

Mike Worthington, a Wood Lane resident who told the committee he was representing residents, said: "We strongly object because of the impact on the green belt – the risk of further development."

Chartered surveyor Altine Elias said: "Development on the land is not inappropriate. Due to its small size and scale it is suitable for the development proposed."

And officer Kim Allen said there was no policy reason to refuse the application with it recommended for approval.

In the debate Cllr Michael James said it would be a loss of green belt "for such little gain".

The officer replied she felt the applicant had "got it right" with the number of houses on the plot adding: "The plot sizes very much replicate what is on the other side of the road.

"They wouldn't look over dense."

In the vote councillors voted unanimously to approve, subject to conditions.

The committee then considered a permission in principle application for nine homes on land off Smiths Lane in Knowle.

It received 34 objections during a public consultation.

The officer explained the application did not grant planning permission if approved but allowed the applicant to move forward to a second stage.

The officer added: "There is no reason officers can find to not support the proposals."

In the public speaking section a resident of more than 40 years, John Cooper, raised concerns about flooding.

Helen Lowe, from planning agents Stansgate Planning LLP said: "We are aware of the concerns of local residents, particular flooding.

"We have submitted both a flood risk assessment as part of the application."

And in the debate Kim Allen highlighted flooding prevention would be dealt with at a stage two and the environment agency had determined the land could be developed.

In the vote councillors unanimously approved the plan.

From next month both these applications – as they were less than 10 dwellings and were a permission in principle application – would not have reached the committee as they did not pass a new strict test.

This is despite both receiving a number of objections.

Instead both applications would have been dealt with by planning officers under delegated powers.

Councillors have spoken out against the changes being brought in by the government – one councillor calling it a "rubbish situation" they are being forced to accept.