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She spoke after Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council moved to back building the homes in Solihull, Knowle and Bentley Heath – despite being given new powers not to.
Labour had set strict targets in house building – but the new Conservative-Liberal Democrat Government says councils will be able to decide.
Sites include land to the back of Arden School and Knowle Primary School in Knowle and Four Ashes Road in Bentley Heath. Click here for more.
Conservative Mrs Spelman said: “While I support home-building, it has to reflect the views of local people.
“For example, a lot of garden grabbing has gone on in the Knowle area particularly.
“The previous Conservative – led Council was often over – ruled by Labour’s planning laws with the result that high – density building occurred contrary to the character of the village.”
She said she wanted to see more development on previously used land or buildings converted to homes.
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