Case study
Dog Kennel Lane - Shirley Solihull
Major residential development on Green Belt land
The challenge
Dog Kennel Lane, also known as Light Hall Farm, is a major residential development in Shirley, Solihull, promoted by Taylor Wimpey. Development of the site was highly contentious, with strong feelings about building on Green Belt land and local opposition including a petition signed by 10,000 people against the scheme.
Our approach
DevComms delivered two thorough public consultation exercises, including community events, a digital consultation website and repeated workshops with parish councils, and built a close working relationship with ward councillors.
The project ran over several years during which councillors and senior council figures changed, engagement was dynamic, maintaining regular touch-points with all stakeholders.
Feedback received from the consultation was used to directly shape the final proposals.
The outcome
The strength of engagement was reflected at planning committee, where the local ward councillor spoke in favour of the application. Planning consent was secured in December 2025.
