Press Releases

Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has received the green light to start work on up to 177 much-needed affordable homes in Chelmsley Wood, Solihull, in partnership with Solihull Council. The

4.5ha site, formerly the home of Simon Digby school, has been earmarked for development for over a decade.

The development will also deliver £1,989,598.08 investment in local services through S106 contributions, including provision for education, green space, healthcare, playing pitches, and transport.

Fraser Hopes, Acting Managing Director of Vistry South West Midlands, said: “We are delighted to receive approval for this 100% affordable development, which will make a meaningful contribution towards addressing the local housing shortage. By delivering high-quality family homes using environmentally responsible construction methods, we are committed to building a sustainable future for Chelmsley Wood.

“We look forward to working with Solihull Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to support Solihull’s continued growth and to create a vibrant, inclusive community where people can thrive. These much-needed new homes will not only enhance the character of the area but also set a benchmark for sustainable development in the region.”

Councillor Mark Parker, Cabinet Member for Housing at Solihull Council said: “Here in Solihull, we’re

serious about stepping up to the challenge of building the new homes our residents need while also setting the highest quality threshold for energy efficiency and sustainability.

“After a huge amount of feasibility work and master planning undertaken by the council, it’s fantastic to see this site moving ahead with a scheme that not only provides much needed family housing but also embraces modern, low-carbon construction. Working with Vistry and the West Midlands Combined Authority, we are helping to create a sustainable, welcoming new neighbourhood where residents can put down roots and thrive.”

This new development will feature two-, three-, and four-bedroom family homes, as well as one-bedroom maisonettes. It will benefit from £3million in funding from the WMCA for infrastructure costs. The approved plans include a play area, a nature trail, and beautifully designed public open spaces.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Too many people in the West Midlands don’t have a

safe, warm and affordable place to call home. They deserve better, and that’s why I’m committed to building thousands of new social rent and affordable homes like these at Simon Digby.

“Embracing the use of modern methods of construction also means we can build high quality, low carbon homes at pace.

“And the faster we can build these new types of homes, the quicker we get families out of temporary accommodation and into homes that are genuinely affordable and cheaper for them to power and heat.”

Surrounded by a nature reserve, the new homes will be built using modern methods of construction (MMC) reducing the carbon footprint of every property. The homes will be manufactured off site using open panel timber frames from the Vistry Works East Midlands factory in Leicestershire. Each home built using these