Plans to build up to 177 affordable homes in Chelmsley Wood have been approved, paving the way for construction to begin in partnership with Solihull Council.

The 4.5-hectare site, formerly home to Simon Digby School, has been earmarked for development for more than a decade. The scheme will be delivered by Vistry Group, which specialises in mixed-tenure housing.

The development will contribute nearly £2 million in Section 106 funding toward local services, including education, green space, healthcare, sports facilities and transport infrastructure.

The project will consist entirely of affordable housing, including a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, as well as one-bedroom maisonettes. Plans also include a play area, nature trail and landscaped public open spaces.

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The scheme has secured £3 million in infrastructure funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority, supporting the delivery of the development and wider community improvements.

Local leaders said the project would help address housing demand while maintaining a focus on sustainability and design quality. The homes will be built using modern methods of construction, with properties manufactured off-site using timber frames at Vistry's East Midlands facility. This approach is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional building methods.

Each home is estimated to produce over 14,000kg less CO2e than a conventional brick-and-block property, while the design aims to complement the surrounding area, which includes a nearby nature reserve.

The development forms part of wider efforts across the West Midlands to increase the supply of affordable and energy-efficient housing, with a focus on reducing reliance on temporary accommodation and improving long-term living standards.

Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026.