Habiko secures first West Midlands scheme as Solihull affordable housing plans approved

Habiko has secured planning permission for its first residential development in the West Midlands, with approval granted for 228 affordable rental homes at Holbeche Place in Solihull.

Approved by Solihull Council, the scheme forms the second phase of the wider Holbeche Place masterplan, a town centre regeneration project that will ultimately deliver around 1,600 new homes alongside retail, leisure and public spaces.

The development will comprise 100% affordable one and two-bedroom homes available for rent at 20% below local market levels, reflecting the growing role of professionally managed affordable rental housing within major urban regeneration projects.

Designed to support low-carbon living, the homes will incorporate energy-efficient construction while drawing architectural inspiration from traditional late Victorian mansion blocks, with red brick façades, bay windows and balconies.

Residents will also benefit from shared landscaped gardens, cycle storage with maintenance facilities, EV-enabled parking and new ground-floor retail space designed to activate the surrounding streets.

Located close to Solihull town centre, the development benefits from access to Solihull railway station, Birmingham International Station and the future HS2 interchange, supporting a walkable neighbourhood with strong public transport connections.

The approval represents a significant milestone for Habiko as it expands beyond its existing development pipeline into the West Midlands, while also advancing Solihull Council's long-term strategy to strengthen the town centre through mixed-use regeneration.

Beyond delivering new housing, the wider Holbeche Place masterplan aims to create a vibrant new urban quarter combining homes, independent shops, cafés, restaurants and public spaces, supporting both economic activity and town centre living.

Lisa Turley, Development Director at Muse, said the approval marked an important step for both Habiko and the wider regeneration programme, adding that the scheme would help meet local demand for affordable, high-quality homes in a well-connected location.

Councillor Karen Grinsell, Leader of Solihull Council, said the development would support the creation of a thriving new community while helping meet housing need and strengthening the future of the town centre.

The project reflects the increasing integration of affordable rental housing into wider regeneration strategies. Rather than being delivered as standalone residential schemes, developments such as Holbeche Place are combining affordable homes with new public spaces, commercial uses and transport connectivity, creating mixed-use neighbourhoods designed to support long-term economic growth as well as housing delivery.