New homes are to be built on green belt land in Shirley after planners gave the go-ahead.

Applicant Richard Fox of Fox and Son Property Developments Ltd originally brought forward the plan for a parcel of land on the southern side of Houndsfield Lane known as Clementine Farm last summer.

The application submitted to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council was for outline permission for eight detached two storey homes with access off Hounsfield Lane.

In a planning statement the applicant said: "The application site has been marked as a poorly performing area of the green belt.

"It would be classed as grey belt (green belt suitable for housing) in that its development for eight homes would not fundamentally undermine the purposes of the remaining green belt across the area.

"Solihull has a substantial shortfall in the land available for housing over the next five years.

"The location of this site is in a sustainable location in terms of proximity to a range of services and facilities.

"Approval of the application would assist the council in improving the supply of housing without impinging on the wider green belt in the area."

During a consultation Tidbury Green Parish Council made a "strong objection" writing: "The proposal represents inappropriate and unsustainable development that conflicts (with planning policies).

"It would cause lasting harm to the green belt and the character of the area, with no overriding public benefit."

But a report written by planning officers highlighted council consultees on highways, ecology and landscaping had made no objections.

Officers recommended approval writing: "The site meets the relevant criteria for grey belt land.

"There is a demonstrable un-met need for the type of development proposed.

"Although it has been identified that the urbanisation of this existing field will result in a moderate level of harm to the character and appearance of the area, it is considered this is clearly outweighed by the contribution that the proposed eight new dwellings will have in terms of contributing to the council's accepted deficiency.

"The proposal is considered to be acceptable in all other aspects and to substantially comply (with planning policies)."

And on March 27 officer Mark Andrews, the council's head of planning, design and engagement service, issued a decision notice confirming planning permission had been granted, subject to conditions.