A VAST “mini-city” of 5,500 homes, schools and green space is set to rise on the edge of Birmingham.
Council chiefs gave given the go-ahead for the first stage of works.
A huge “mini-city” of 5,500 homes
Schools and green space is set to rise on the edge of Birmingham
A geographic glimpse into the location of our new City
The Langley development, near Walmley in Sutton Coldfield, will eventually see around 5,500 .
There will also be , community facilities and green spaces, built across a huge swathe of land.
Described by developers as an “unparalleled opportunity to establish a new sustainable community”, the scheme promises to transform the area.
Ahead of the latest council planning meeting, permission was sought to begin “strategic infrastructure” works on the site.
These include demolishing Langley Park House, creating open space and play areas, carrying out major earthworks, and building new highway, cycle and pedestrian networks.
But concerns were raised over how residents will travel.
Conservative councillor Gareth Moore argued that Labour’s policy risks being “outdated” and could turn the new neighbourhood into a “heavy car-use area.”
“Despite the best will in the world, the council is not going to change that,” he said.
“I’m really concerned that long-term this is going to build up problems because we’re going to try and discourage people from owning .
“We’re going to try and encourage everyone to walk, cycle and get the bus – but they’re not.
“They’re going to own cars and they’ll be parked all over the place. Yes, in 50 years’ time that might be different but the important thing is the here and now.”
A council report defended the plans, pointing to an “extensive network” of new walking and routes across the site.
This is including segregated cycle paths, bus-only connections and a traffic-free bridge linking eastwards over the A38.
It said: “The intention is to not give equal priority to all modes through the road space allocation, instead encouraging sustainable travel which adheres to the objectives of the Transport Plan.”
This is the road and plot of land where the new settlement will be made
Council chiefs gave given the go-ahead for the first stage of works.
There will also be schools, community facilities and green spaces, built across a huge swathe of land
Officials have previously stressed that prioritising active travel and will help cut road danger, connect communities and tackle the climate emergency.
According to the scheme’s official website, the new development will also bring schools, leisure facilities and large areas of “well-connected green spaces.”
“We are committed to working with the local community to deliver a beautifully designed scheme that puts placemaking at its heart and provides long-term benefits for both new and existing residents,” it said.
With the application now approved, work can begin on laying the groundwork for one of the biggest housing projects Birmingham has ever seen.
homes is set to be built in the UK, as part of a government scheme.
The ambitious plans are set to ease Britain’s and the project is expected to create 30,000 .
The Brabazon development, in South Gloucestershire, is set to become a “thriving new town, designed around people, nature and opportunity: the best place in the UK to live, work and play”, according to YTL, the group facilitating its construction.
Proposals for the project include 6,500 (which could rise to 25,000), and student accommodation big enough to house 2,000 people.
The new town will also have a 20,000 capacity arena, three new and community facilities, and is predicted to add £5 billion to the GVA.
A new train station, Metrobus links, cycle routes and walking paths will ensure the town is well connected to and over 3.6 million square feet of commercial space will house shops, businesses and offices.
Brabazon will also have an abundance of parks and green spaces, including a 15 acre park and lake, which will be the largest in the South West for 50 years.
The government has thrown its backing behind the development, as part of a £48 billion scheme to.
Work has already begun on Brabazon, with 500 homes completed, and £400 million invested by YTL.
A council report defended the plans, pointing to an “extensive network” of new walking and cycling routes across the site 
