Residents, businesses and other stakeholders will have six weeks to comment on Solihull's new Draft Local Plan when a formal consultation opens next week.

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) is preparing to publish its Local Plan – Draft Submission Plan ahead of submission to the Secretary of State for independent examination.

The consultation will focus on whether the plan is legally compliant and sound in line with national planning requirements.

The Local Plan will act as a blueprint for future development across the borough, guiding planning decisions on where major developments should take place, and which areas should be protected.

It reflects recent changes to national planning policy, including updated housing requirements and changes to Green Belt policy.

It also acknowledges emerging strategic planning arrangements involving the West Midlands Combined Authority and the West Midlands Mayor.

Cllr Andy Mackiewicz, cabinet member for climate change and planning, said the plan would help Solihull meet its future housing, employment and infrastructure needs while protecting the environment.

He 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 during the consultation period."

How to have your say

The consultation is due to open during the week commencing Monday, October 26, and will run for six weeks.

The council has advised residents to check its website for the exact opening and closing dates.

Full details of the Draft Submission Plan, supporting documents and information on how to submit representations will be available on the council's Emerging Local Plan webpage.

The webpage will also provide details of drop-in events taking place across the borough, where residents can discuss the consultation in person with council officers.

All representations received during the consultation will be submitted alongside the Local Plan for consideration during an Examination in Public.

An independent inspector appointed on behalf of the Secretary of State will oversee the examination and assess whether the plan meets the necessary legal and soundness requirements.

Following the examination, the inspector will publish a report setting out their findings. If the plan is found to be sound and legally compliant, the council will be able to adopt it.

The inspector may instead recommend modifications.

Any such amendments would be subject to a further period of consultation.

The Government has set a deadline of December 31, 2026, for plans being pursued under the legacy planning system to be submitted for examination.