Commercial Development in Solihull
About This Project
Project Team:
Edge, Muse, PlanIT, Greengage, Tree Frontiers
Site:
Holbeche Place, Solihull
Introduction:
Tree Frontiers were invited to provide arboricultural advice to the design team involved in the redevelopment of Solihull town centre. We were able to give specific guidance regarding Phase 1, for which a detailed planning application was being put together, as well as more high-level input to the remaining phases which were under outline planning. Following approval by Solihull Council, we were subsequently appointed as Project Arboriculturists and will retain oversight of the works – in relation to trees – as they progress.
Background:
Tree Frontiers were approached by Edge, a multi-disciplinary property and construction company who were acting as project management for the redevelopment of the centre of Solihull. The developers were Muse, who specialise in regenerating towns and cities with an emphasis on social impact, sustainability and placemaking. Landscaping advice came from PlanIT, with ecological input from Greengage.
The Opportunity:
A hybrid planning application was being drawn up for the comprehensive, phased redevelopment of the centre of Solihull, to provide a variety of new homes, flexible retail, leisure and other commercial spaces alongside the enhancement of public spaces, new landscaping and other associated infrastructure.
Arboricultural surveys had previously been undertaken by another team, and so we were asked to provide a revalidation survey together with a detailed Arboricultural Impact Assessment for Phase 1 and advice to guide the design team for Phases 2-9.
As the site consists of pre-existing commercial buildings and car parking the tree coverage was not extensive, but within the Phase 1 boundary we were able to identify one group of low quality trees that would require removal in order to allow for the working space and excavation line for the formation of new foundations. In order to remain compliant with local planning policy we were also able to advise the landscaping team of the need for replacement planting to compensate for the loss of these trees.
For the remainder of the site we made an assessment of the potential impact on the existing tree stock from the proposed masterplan, basing it on a worst-case scenario. The intention of this was to demonstrate the potential losses that could arise from the scheme in the expectation that the detail of any losses will be addressed through a reserved matters application. Outline planning consent does not grant permission for trees to be removed, and it is likely that the development layout will be adjusted through detailed design to allow more trees to be retained.
The Results:
The hybrid planning application was submitted to Solihull Council in March 2025 and was approved in February 2026. Tree Frontiers were appointed as Project Arboriculturists, and subsequently drew up an Arboricultural Method Statement in response to planning conditions requesting this. Works on Phase 1 are anticipated to start imminently.
If you require advice or input on a large-scale development project please contact us at info@treefrontiers.com
Find out more: Trees, Structures & Development