An updated assessment of the borough's green belt has been published by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) as part of work to shape its emerging local plan.

The independent Green Belt Assessment (GBA), commissioned by SMBC and carried out by Arup, has been prepared in line with updated national planning guidance.

The assessment replaces SMBC's previous green belt study from 2016 and reflects changes to national planning policy, including the introduction of "grey belt" land.

As part of the review, the assessment has identified areas of land that could potentially fall within the grey belt category.

However, SMBC has stressed that this does not mean those areas are suitable for development, or that any decisions have been made about releasing land from the green belt.

Cllr Andy Mackiewicz, cabinet member for climate change and planning portfolio, said the assessment should be viewed as evidence to inform the emerging local plan rather than a statement of council policy.

He said: "Decisions about whether any sites should be released from the green belt to meet future development needs across the borough will be made through the local plan process.

"I also want to be clear, the identification of potential grey belt land does not mean those areas are suitable for development.

"Nor does it mean that entire land parcels assessed as containing grey belt would automatically be considered for development."

The council said publishing the assessment ahead of the next stage of the local plan process will give residents and interested parties more time to consider the findings before the next consultation begins.

Comments on the GBA are not currently being invited but residents will have the opportunity to share their views on the evidence supporting the local plan during the next phase of consultation.

The evidence will later be considered by an independent inspector appointed to examine the local plan.