Catherine-de-Barnes

• Outline planning consent secured for up to 95 new high-quality homes
• Proposed that up to 40% of homes delivered are affordable
• New public open space and play area  

New homes are to move forward in Catherine-de-Barnes, following the approval of outline planning for a development by Cala Homes (Cotswolds). The site, known as land at Oak Farm off Hampton Lane, consists of brownfield land allocated for housing in Solihull’s emerging Local Plan. The proposed development is set to bring up to 95 high-quality homes, with up to 40% dedicated to much-needed affordable housing.

The development proposed includes the provision of open-market housing and affordable housing against a shortfall locally and could offer a mix of one-bedroom to four-bedroom homes providing choice suitable for first-time buyers, families and downsizers.  

This outline consent has established general key parameters – including vehicular and pedestrian/cycle access points, the areas for and density of residential development, and the location of the open spaces, play areas and sustainable drainage features. Throughout the application process, resident and stakeholder feedback played an important role in shaping the design and based on this input, changes were made to elements including internal road layouts, green corridors, the retention of additional trees and hedgerows, and the design of open spaces to better reflect the community’s preferences.

Alongside the new homes, Cala will provide significant community benefits, including public open spaces and play areas both on and off site, for both existing and new residents to enjoy. These areas will be linked by new footpaths and cycle paths, fostering easy access and connectivity. A key focus of the development is enhancing and preserving green infrastructure, with wildlife corridors designed to maximise existing habitat features while buffering the Grand Union Canal Local Wildlife Site (LWS). Further opportunities to enhance the Canal will also be explored during the Reserved Matters application process.

Additionally, under Cala’s Urban Wildlife Strategy, features to support wildlife will also be incorporated into the fabric of all homes, including bird nesting features, specialist hedgehog fencing, bat boxes and native tree planting. Sustainability measures on the Cala Homes development will also see every new home equipped with electric vehicle charging points. Solar panels and air source heat pumps – a low carbon technology – may also be incorporated to help residents reduce their carbon emissions.

Cala has also made a commitment to establishing a Community Pledge on the new development. Each Pledge will bring together a bespoke programme of activity designed to address specific community needs. Activity could include financial support, volunteering, schools’ programmes and more.

Caroline Owen, Senior Planning Manager at Cala Homes Cotswolds commented:

“We are delighted to have secured outline consent for this exciting new development in Catherine-de-Barnes. This is an important milestone for us, and we’re proud to be contributing to the local community by delivering much-needed, high-quality homes, including a significant portion of affordable housing. Throughout the planning process, we’ve worked closely with residents and stakeholders to ensure that the development complements the character of the area while providing valuable amenities and green spaces for all to enjoy. 

“With Outline Planning achieved, we will now look to submit a Reserved Matters application detailing further details of the proposed development and look forward to continuing our engagement with the local authority in the next stage of our application to ensure the development meets the needs and requirements of the local community.

“Over and above our planning obligations, our Community Pledge for Catherine-de-Barnes will further reflect our commitment to the local area. With the aim of having a positive impact of the wider neighbourhood, we are encouraging local residents to share their views on how we can support and provide for the community and look forward to hearing feedback for this initiative.”