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Frequently Asked Questions
What is proposed at this site?
Indurent is bringing forward outline proposals for Indurent Park Solihull, a flagship employment development at Junction 4 of the M42. The scheme will deliver high-quality, modern and sustainable industrial and logistics space totalling 980,000 sq.ft, helping to meet the significant shortfall of employment land identified in the West Midlands Strategic Employment Sites Study (WMSESS).
Where is the site located?
The site is located north of Kineton Lane, between the M42 to the west and Stratford Road to the east. It sits opposite Blythe Valley Business Park and is within easy reach of Solihull, Birmingham, and the wider Midlands region via Junction 4 of the M42.
Why has Indurent chosen this site?
The site is uniquely positioned on a strategically important employment corridor along the M42. Its location offers excellent connectivity to the motorway network, Birmingham Airport, and the surrounding Midlands region. The West Midlands Strategic Employment Sites Study (WMSESS) has identified a shortage of suitable large-scale sites in the region, making Indurent Park Solihull an ideal location to help meet this need.
What are the economic benefits of the proposals?
The site will deliver a broad range of economic benefits to locals and the region, including:
- Up to 185 jobs created during construction and up to 1770 operational jobs
- New training and skills opportunities for local people
- £56.5m additional GVA contribution to the local economy throughout construction
- £155m additional GVA to the West Midlands economy per year once operational
- £3.4m additional in business rates revenue per annum, for collection by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, helping to support investment in local services
Will there be apprenticeship or training opportunities?
Yes. Indurent is committed to supporting local jobs and training. An Employment and Skills Plan will be prepared alongside Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council to ensure opportunities are provided for apprenticeships, training and upskilling for local people.
Will the development affect local wildlife or habitats?
The proposals include new landscaping, tree planting and habitat creation to support wildlife, alongside the retention and enhancement of existing woodland and hedgerows. Sustainable drainage features will provide ecological value as well as managing surface water. The scheme will deliver a measurable biodiversity net gain in line with national requirements.
Is the site within the Green Belt?
The site currently lies within the Green Belt. The ‘Solihull Strategic Green Belt Assessment’ prepared by Atkins on behalf of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, provides an assessment of the contribution that Green Belt land within Solihull makes to the first four purposes of Green Belt identified at paragraph 143 of the NPPF. This assessment considered the site within its analysis of a wider parcel, Broad Area 01 (BA01). This assessment concluding parcel BA01 to:
– contribute moderately to Green Belt purpose A (to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas);
– contribute lowly to Green Belt purpose B (to prevent neighbouring towns from merging)
– contribute highly to Green Belt purpose C (to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment); and
– make no contribution to Green Belt purpose D (to preserve the setting and special qualities of historic towns)
Green Belt purpose E (to assist in urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land) was not considered on the basis that all Green Belt land makes an equal contribution to this.
The Council’s evidence also highlights the significant shortfall of employment land across the Borough and wider region. Given its strategic location at Junction 4 of the M42, the site represents a logical and sustainable option to help meet this identified need.
How will the site be sustainable?
The development will be delivered to the Indurent Standard, which includes:
- BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC A & A+ ratings
- PV-ready roofs and on-site renewable energy measures
- EV charging points
- Low-carbon construction and smart energy systems
- High-performance building materials
- Sustainable transport infrastructure
Alongside the above measures, we will also deliver a measurable Biodiversity Net Gain on site, in line with national requirements, to enhance and improve wildlife and local habitats.
There is a pre-existing network of Public Rights of Way (PROW) in the vicinity of the site, including a footpath which connects over the M42 into Blythe Valley Business Park. There is a shared footway / cycleway which runs alongside the A3400, crosses the M42 via a road bridge, and continues into the Monkspath area of Solihull.
The closest bus stops are located along the site frontage on Stratford Road, and flag and poles without shelters. To the south of Blythe Valley Business Park, a bus gate restricts access to buses and emergency vehicles only.
How will the site be accessed?
Access to the site can be achieved via new ghost island priority junctions from Kineton Lane and A3400 Stratford Road, serving the southern and north-western parts of the site respectively. The northern access is positioned to avoid impacts from lighting on the adjacent ancient woodland. The accesses would be complemented by improved walking and cycling routes surrounding the site, connecting to existing routes to Solihull via the A3400 and to Blythe Valley via Kineton Lane.
A full Transport Assessment will be submitted alongside the planning application to demonstrate the existing road network has sufficient capacity. If recommended, mitigation measures will be introduced to minimise traffic impacts.
How will visual impact be managed?
A landscape framework plan will be submitted as part of the outline planning application. New tree planting, green corridors and landscaping buffers will reduce views of the development, while bunding and additional planting will help to integrate buildings into the surrounding environment. A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment will be submitted with our planning application.
How will noise be managed?
Noise assessments will be undertaken as part of the planning process. Construction activity will be managed through a Construction Environment Management Plan, while any operational noise will be carefully assessed and, if necessary, mitigated through appropriate design and acoustic controls.