No fewer than 18 sites in Solihull have been identified for the construction of thousands of new homes.

Solihull Council estimates that more than 900 residential properties need to be developed annually over the next 16 years to keep up with growing demand.

Proposals to provide the 15,000 residential properties between now and 2036 have been set out in the latest draft of the Local Plan, which has taken a major step forward in recent days.

The council approved plans to give residents a final say on the blueprint before it is handed over to an independent inspector.

There are some concerns that the planning document includes a dozen or so green belt sites for potential development, which may lead to some tweaks to the plans, otherwise it is widely expected to be approved.

Cllr Andy Mackiewicz, cabinet member for climate change, planning and housing, commented: “At the moment our housing supply is less than five years and our ability to protect the green belt is reducing.

“So the advice we have received is that, with regret, we have to give up green belt.

“Some sites are more difficult than others but it is important that we as a council take control where those sites are.”