A new mini-village bringing 750 homes , shops, offices and hotel to Solihull has been approved by council planners.

Solihull Council has given the green light to the major development at the Blythe Valley Business Park, near to junction 4 of the M42.

The scheme, which also includes a care home will create up to 7,300 new jobs as well as open up an existing 122-acre country park.

The application was submitted by Warwickshire-based IM Properties (IMP) , who own the Mell Square shopping centre in Solihull as well as the business park.

There was opposition to the village plan from local parish councils and residents’ groups.

IM Properties , based at Coleshill Manor on the outskirts of Coleshill, is one of UK’s largest privately owned property companies.

It bought the 260-acre Blythe Valley Business Park out of receivership for around £125m at the end of 2014.

The business park is home to a large Virgin Active health club and the Midlands headquarters of global consultancy firm Arup.

Blythe Valley Business park plan

Coun Ken Hawkins (Con, Blythe), who backed the scheme, said: “We are trying to build communities in Solihull.

“So let’s try and build a sustainable community.”

“The Planning Inspectorate determined we need houses and at a stroke this scheme meets one year’s housing supply for the borough.

“We need to provide 750 homes a year in our five year plan and it lessens the threat to other areas.”

Lewis Payne, IM Properties’ development director said: “We have worked tirelessly on this application, including extensive public engagement and believe the new scheme will prove a tremendous boost to Solihull and provide much needed housing for younger families and first-time buyers who want to find a home.

“The new community will have the benefit of a largely undiscovered 122-acre country park, which is to be enhanced and extended to surround the new scheme, creating a rich and diverse environment for all to thrive in and enjoy.”