Hundreds of homes in Balsall Common given the green light despite worries of campaigners and 1,000-signature petition
Windmill owner Jeanette McGarry.(Image: Nick Wilkinson/Birmingham Live)
Hundreds of homes have been approved in Balsall Common despite concerns it could damage views of a 200-year-old windmill.
Solihull Council planners gave Barwood Development Securities Ltd permission to build 250 homes – half of them affordable – on land at Pheasant Oak Farm in Hob Lane off Waste Lane.
Campaigners were concerned the development would damage views of the landscape surrounding Berkswell Windmill, described by Historic England as “one of the best surviving tower mills in the West Midlands”.
READ MORE: Hundreds of homes on course for approval in Balsall Common despite concerns
Councillors gave the village development the green light on Wednesday, April 30 despite a 1,000-signature petition and concerns from Meriden and Solihull East MP Saqib Bhatti and the owner of Berkswell Windmill.
Furious campaigners said the fight was “not over”.
There had been widespread concern around the application, originally lodged with the authority in 2023, over fears the development would ruin the “iconic view” of Berskwell Windmill, a tourist attraction run by volunteers.
Councillors were shown plans of the site, which included a gap of 246 metres from the site and Berkswell Windmill with an additional planting area working as a retained and enhanced “buffer strip” to ensure the setting of the listed building was “not harmed.”
Plans for 250 homes in Balsall Common have been approved (Image: Solihull Council/Brownhill Hayward Brown)
Speaking at the meeting, Jeanette McGarry, owner of Berkswell Windmill, said: “All we are asking for is protection of the Grade II ** listed windmill that will be celebrating its bi-centenary in 2026 and for compliance with the national planning policy framework, which refers to the need to protect historic heritage assets and their settings.
“This application does not do that and you will have received a letter from Saqib Bhatti, setting that out very eloquently.”
Ms McGarry and residents asked for a tweak to planning application conditions which would create a green open space so the public could enjoy year-round views of the windmill.
The petition was also brought to the attention of councillors. A letter from Mr Bhatti also expressed concerns about “implications” of the development on the windmill.
The Grade II listed Berkswell Windmill in Balsall Common(Image: Nick Wilkinson/Birmingham Live)
Read out at the meeting, the letter read: “This historic structure is an important cultural asset which contributes significantly to the character and heritage of the local community, as such, careful consideration of the impact on this monument must remain a priority in line with national policy guidance.”
After lengthy debate, seven councillors voted in favour of the application and two against, subject to the completion of a s106 agreement. The committee said an “informative letter” would be sent to the developer to consider the residents and stake holders of Balsall Common.
Speaking following the decision, Ms McGarry said: “Really surprised, despite five of the nine planning committee members (and none speaking against), and a letter from Saqib Bhatti in support of the Berkswell Windmill, which the chairman said was unprecedented, all bar two councillors approved the application with no amendment to protect the Grade II star Berkswell Windmill.
“This came as a shock and a huge disappointment as the huge number of objections to the application , and the 1090 signatures and massive support for the public open space in Windmill Lane/ Hob Lane were not acknowledged by councillors.
“April 30 was a sad day for democracy and fairness.
“There was an opportunity to enhance the development, protect the Mill and its setting and to leave a legacy for generations to come, but the fight is not over yet.”