A consultation is set to launch next week giving residents the chance to have their say on a major 'blueprint' shaping how Solihull develops for the next decade and beyond.

As the Local Democracy Reporting Service previously reported the 200 page draft local plan, which would run until 2043, received councillors' backing to take this next step at a full council meeting earlier this month.

The local plan, which is set to deliver 23,091 homes, goes out to public consultation for six weeks starting from Monday, (October 26).

Significant recent changes to national planning policy including updated housing targets and changes to green belt policy are reflected in the plan.

But at that full council meeting there was some criticism from opposition councillors who described it as "imperfect", having been produced on a rapid timeline as the government wants it submitted before the end of the year.

This is due to the government's deadline of December 31 for plans being pursued under the legacy system to be submitted for examination.

Cllr Andy Mackiewicz, the council's portfolio holder for climate change and planning, has warned the area could be a 'free-for-all' for developers with more speculative proposals emerging should the plan not progress.

And Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council's (SMBC) leader Cllr Karen Grinsell has argued the plan seeks to help them do "everything we can within the planning system we have to protect the character and identity of Solihull".

At this stage the consultation focuses on whether the plan is legally compliant and sound, in line with national planning requirements.

All representations received in the consultation will be submitted alongside the local plan to be considered as part of the 'examination in public' (EiP) – a key period of scrutiny before a plan can be adopted.

The EiP will be overseen by a nominated inspector appointed on behalf of the government.

Once the examination concludes the inspector would issue a report which will summarise the findings.

And if the plan is found to be sound and legally compliant, SMBC will then be allowed to adopt the plan. If the inspector suggests modifications are required, the plan would be subject to a further consultation.

The council wants the EiP, public examination in late spring 2027 as it is aiming for the local plan to be adopted in early 2028.

Cllr Mackiewicz said: "The local plan is one of the most important documents the council produces.

"It sets out how Solihull can meet future housing, employment and infrastructure needs while protecting our environment and ensuring development takes place in the right locations.

"We have incorporated feedback from the consultation held earlier in the year, as well as responding to the significant changes to national planning policy over recent years.

"Our plan seeks to protect the features that make Solihull a special place to live, such as the green belt and Meriden Gap; whilst meeting government targets and providing homes and jobs suitable for all – in a managed and sustainable way.

"I encourage everyone with an interest in the future of the borough to review the plan and submit their comments."

Interested parties, including residents and businesses, can make their representations on the authority's website at solihull.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/emerging-local-plan.