Residents have rallied against plans for up to 185 new homes in Meriden, with a petition calling for the application to be refused.

The outline application, submitted for land south of Fillongley Road, would see up to 185 homes built, along with new access, landscaping, drainage features, open space and ecological enhancements.

The application, made by IM Land 1 limited, was received by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) on May 11.

A Change.org petition opposing the plans was launched by Elizabeth Roche in June.

It states that residents and visitors to Meriden object to what it describes as a "major green belt development" and urges the council to refuse the application.

The petition raises concerns about the impact on the Meriden Gap, heritage assets, local services, biodiversity, flooding, traffic and agricultural land.

It currently has more than 1,500 verified signatures.

A supporter of the petition said: "Meriden can not cope with yet more houses, the infrastructure is not sufficient for the amoung of people that live here already.

"The loss of yet more green spaces and ancient trees can not be allowed.

"This development must be stopped."

According to the application's design and access Statement, around 60 per cent of the site would remain as open space.

The proposals include public open space, a children's play area, community gardens, landscaped parkland, parking and associated infrastructure.

The statement also outlines active travel routes for pedestrians and cyclists, while retaining the existing Public Right of Way and creating a network of recreational nature trails.

Ecological features including meadow grasslands, trees, woodland and scrub are proposed, alongside sustainable drainage features designed to manage stormwater runoff and surface water flood risk.

However, campaigners argue the development would result in the loss of countryside forming part of the historic Meriden Gap.

The petition also raises concerns about increased traffic, risks to road users, pedestrians and horse riders, pressure on local services, and the potential impact on flooding and wildlife.

The application is awaiting a decision from SMBC.

To view the application, click here.

To view the petition, click here.