Birmingham’s plans to build thousands of homes on green belt land have been given the green light by the Government.

Housing minister Gavin Barwell has agreed to allow the Birmingham Development Plan (BDP) which will see the construction of 51,000 homes, including 6000 on green belt-designated land.

Sajid Javid, secretary of state for communities and local government, said: “Where local councils come forward with sensible, robust local plans – and are willing to take the tough decisions – I will back them all the way.

“For example, Birmingham City Council has put forward a plan to meet some of its local housing need by removing green belt designation from a small area of land.

“They want to build homes for their children and grandchildren. And Westminster politicians should not stand in the way of that. That’s
why, earlier today, we lifted the central government hold on the Birmingham Local Plan.”

Research by the council projects 89,000 new homes will be required to meet Birmingham’s housing needs over the next 15 years.
Waheed Nazir, strategic director of economy at the council, said: ‘Removing the Holding Direction is an important decision both for the city and the wider UK in terms of our ability to deliver housing growth.

‘We therefore welcome the Secretary of State’s endorsement of the Plan and recognition we have taken a robust approach that is consistent with national policy.’

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) condemned the decision and said the Government should have stopped the ‘significant loss of greeen belt’.