A move by the government to build around railway stations was a key factor in Solihull planners approving the building of new homes on green belt land.

Applicant Rainier Developments Limited's outline application to build nine homes on land east of Widney Manor Road went in front of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council's (SMBC) planning committee's latest meeting.

In a consultation period 10 residents objected stressing it would be a loss of green belt land, was not in keeping with the character of the area and would impact congestion on roads.

In the public speaking section Marian Richards said: "We live across from this plot and we strongly object.

"The proposal would introduce residential development onto green belt land.

"We do not consider the proposal demonstrates the required very special circumstances (to allow building).

"Widney Manor Road is already heavily congested, this morning there was traffic from 7.30am to 9.30am, continuous. Up to nine dwellings could generate significant additional vehicle movements.

"During our 23 years living here my husband and neighbours have listed five serious accidents at this bend (where the entrance to the site is)."

As the Local Democracy Reporting Service previously reported in the summer the government published updated National Planning Policy Framework – the national planning rules which councils must follow when deciding where development should take place.

And a major change is there is an order for councils to take a "default yes" approach to housing developments that are within a reasonable walking distance of well-connected train stations.

This rule change features heavily in the council's draft local plan which councillors had voted to endorse the night before the committee's meeting.

Ward councillor Ken Hawkins recognised this application would be affected by this change due to its proximity to Widney Manor Railway Station.

"I'm annoyed building on what was previously considered green belt land is moving forward," he said.

"The proximity of the railway station has effectively allowed the application to be successful.

"I'm hopeful the rest of the green land near to this site will not be brought forward for adoption in any future housing plans."

Gary Stephens, from planning agents Marrons, highlighted the application had been recommended for approval by officers.

"Officers have concluded the land is grey belt (green belt land suitable for development) and we agree with that conclusion," he said.

"The development will be in walking distance of a well connected station."

In the debate planning committee chairman Cllr Bob Grinsell said: "The new arrangements that have been given out by government in terms of properties being built round railway stations sort of negates the green belt argument."

Cllr Michael James said: "Usually I'd hear the words grey belt and think it's green belt.

"When I look at this, the size and dimensions, and whether a farmer could actually make use of that land I can understand why it would be considered grey belt."

The chairman said there had been an "awful number of accidents" near the site, backing a move for a crossing on Widney Manor Road.

Councillors went on to vote unanimously for the scheme subject to conditions and the additional condition to have a "controlled" crossing.

The meeting was held at the Civic Suite on October 7.