COMMUNITY BOOST FROM NEW HOMES IN BALSALL COMMON

WORK on new homes in Balsall Common could start soon, Elan Homes has confirmed.

The announcement comes after Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council last week approved a reserved matters planning application for 17 homes to be built on a 1.73 acre site on Waste Lane.

Elan, with its regional headquarters in Coleshill, acquired the grey belt land from Rainier Developments Ltd last summer. At that time, it benefited from outline consent for 18 homes.

Ben Jowett, head of land at Elan Homes Midlands, said: “We take a considered approach to planning new sites, ensuring they respond to local needs and make the most efficient use of land. While the Council doesn’t currently have an up‑to‑date housing requirement figure in an adopted development plan, their approval of our proposals for new homes in Balsall Common reflects a shared recognition of the area’s housing pressures and the quality of our evidence‑led approach. It also demonstrates confidence that our plans will deliver much‑needed homes in a sustainable, well‑designed community.

“Linked to the planning approval, a package of investment worth more than £1.25 million has been agreed. This includes a Community Infrastructure Levy payable to the council, plus funding allocated for affordable housing, education, healthcare, play pitches, travel and highways. We have some planning conditions to fulfil before we start work on site, but are aiming to be underway as soon as practical, with a view to the first homes being released for sale towards the end of the year.”

Existing trees and hedgerows will be retained and enhanced, reinforcing the landscape character, habitats and biodiversity of the site.

Elan will work with the subtle changes in existing topography of the site.  Sustainable drainage features and open space will be integrated within the landscape approach.

All 17 new homes being built will be available for private sale, with the development offering a choice of two, three and four-bedroom properties.

Elan will contribute more than £430,000 to the local authority for affordable housing in the wider area, with around £240,000 to be allocated for education.

There will also be £86,000 for highways improvements, more than £53,000 for play pitches, plus a Local Area of Play will be created within the development.

Prices for the homes, which will be marketed under the name Berkswell Rise, in a nod to the nearby windmill, will be announced at the launch.

The new homes in Balsall Common will benefit from a range of amenities within a 20-minute walk including a nursery, primary and secondary schools, supermarket, post office and village centre.

For more information about where Elan is building see http://www.elan-homes.co.uk.