New changes allowing more homes to be built around railway stations including on the green belt could have a major impact on Solihull, a borough councillor has warned.

The government says it is "full steam ahead" on the loosening of planning rules for building around transport hubs describing the move as common sense.

The government published updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) – the national planning rules which councils must follow when deciding where development should take place – on Monday, (August 17).

Under the changes there will be an order for councils to have a "default yes" approach to housing developments that are within a reasonable walking distance of well-connected train stations.

But the ruling Conservative group has highlighted there are 11 railway stations in the borough with many of them close to "valued green spaces".

Earlswood, Berkswell and Widney Manor are among the stations with green belt land surrounding or very close by.

Blythe cllr Simon Coles, who sits on the authority's planning committee, said: "Many of our communities could find themselves facing significantly greater development pressure as a direct result of national planning policy.

"We absolutely recognise the need for new homes. But they must be the right homes, in the right places.

"Good public transport links should be part of sensible planning, but proximity to a railway station should not become an automatic justification for high-density development regardless of the impact on the surrounding community or green belt."

The changes come at a time the authority is developing its new draft local plan – a blueprint shaping the future of development in the borough.

And residents have been vocal against building on the green belt after an independent study recently identified more than 70 sites in the borough as areas of potential grey belt – green belt suitable for development.

"We want to make sensible decisions about the future of our borough, taking account of local circumstances and the character and environment of our communities," the councillor said.

"Solihull Conservatives will do everything we can to protect our borough from inappropriate and excessive development."

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said: "Too many people are being priced out of the communities where they want to live and work.

"By unlocking thousands of homes around well-connected transport hubs, we're helping people live closer to work, school and the services they rely on, while backing local businesses and driving growth in our communities.

"That's how we'll tackle the housing crisis and raise living standards for people in every corner of the country."