Planners have given the green light to detailed plans for more than 200 new homes forming part of the new Mell Square development.

But the issue of a lack of car parking spaces was again raised at the latest meeting of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council's planning committee which was tasked with making a decision.

As the Local Democracy Reporting Service previously reported outline planning permission for the new Holbeche Place site was granted earlier this year which is set to see a mix of retail, leisure and public spaces and more than 1,000 new homes built over the next decade and beyond.

At the meeting councillors considered a reserved matters application for plot two of the landmark project featuring plans for 228 homes, ground floor retail/commercial space and associated public realm, landscaping works and parking in Warwick Road.

Councillors heard Muse Places Limited's plan is for a mix of apartments – 91 one bedroom and 137 two bedroom – on the site of the former House of Fraser and Mell Square car park.

And the plans include 17 car parking spaces and 122 indoor cycle spaces.

Planning officer Jon Hallam told the committee: "The proposal takes the form of a traditional late Victorian mansion block.

"Mansion blocks have become characteristics of high quality urban neighbourhoods now."

He confirmed there had been no objections to the proposal, adding the application was recommended for approval.

When outline planning was granted in February concerns were raised about the lack of car parking spaces.

In the committee debate Cllr David Hoey said: "I think it works out 228 new homes, yet only 17 car park spaces."

Mr Hallam replied: "That is correct, that on the basis (when outline planning permission was granted) it was acknowledged the town centre is in a highly sustainable location.

"Effectively people who occupy the flats would use the services within the town centre, its short walking distance of all the bus stops and walking distance of the town centre."

He added that a condition was added in the original permission for traffic management and a review of that strategy.

Cllr Hoey said: "Have we got capacity to build additional car park spaces?"

The officer replied: "In theory you could.

"But the evidence we have, the car parks we have in the town centre are under utilised."

Chairman of the committee Chairman Bob Grinsell said: "I made a suggestion, some time ago we had a park and ride offer from Monkspath Hall Road car park which because of lack of numbers (of it being used) was naturally withdrawn.

"That could potentially at some stage be considered again as we progress in the stages of the town centre redevelopment scheme."

When he moved to the vote, committee members voted eight in favour with one against to grant permission, subject to conditions.

The meeting was held at the Civic Suite on July 15.