The Birmingham office of Drivers Jonas has successfully secured planning permission for a £100million major new commercial development which could create up to 5,000 new jobs in the region once fully completed.

Secured on behalf of client PRUPIM, the development will be situated off the Stratford Road in Shirley on Lucas Industries former site, known as The Green, whose current occupiers include TRW. It will provide just under one million square feet of new B1 office space ranging from two to five storeys in height, together with a hectare of high quality amenity and landscaped open space.

The planning application was managed by Lucy Wilson and Mathew Jones of Drivers Jonas’ Planning and Development team, and the approved masterplan for The Green almost triples the amount of floorspace previously approved on the site following the firm’s ability to demonstrate that this represented an efficient use of the site while being compatible with sensitive surroundings.

“We are delighted to have secured planning approval for this landmark scheme,” said Ms Wilson, associate for Drivers Jonas’ Planning and Development team.

“Upon completion The Green will be a leading and high quality example of an office development with sustainability credentials that will set a benchmark for other developers across Solihull and the wider region.”

William Rooke, Development Manager at PRUPIM, added: “It is excellent news that Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council has given us the green light to create what will be the West Midlands’ foremost sustainable office park at The Green; in the current economic climate, an opportunity to stimulate employment is a very positive and welcomed result.The illustrative masterplan will generate approximately 4900 new jobs, making a significant contribution to the delivery of the council’s economic and development strategy and bringing with it numerous benefits to the local community.”

It is the intention that The Green will be an exemplar of sustainability while also providing benefits to the wider local community. Phase one of the scheme has been designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating with low carbon emissions central to the design.

Significantly contributing to the Borough’s employment land portfolio and job opportunities, the range of commercial units at The Green will appeal to a cross section of businesses ranging from local start ups to regional and national headquarters.

Drivers Jonas were responsible for the management of a professional project team over 12 months between initial pre-application discussions and receipt of the resolution to grant from Solihull MBC. The team included London based architects Aukett Fitzroy Robinson, Landscape Consultants Barry Chin Associates and Transport and Environmental Consultants, WSP.

The process of gaining approval has involved detailed negotiation over issues of highways impact, sensitive relationship with the Green Belt, the level of potential impact and the amenity of neighbouring residents, and the protection of TPO trees. In addition, PRUPIM undertook a pro-active and comprehensive public consultation exercise including a two day public exhibition.

Drivers Jonas is currently seeking to progress the Section 106 legal agreement for The Green which will secure highway improvements, a green travel plan, public art and a Business Development contribution for Solihull.

It is expected construction works for The Green will commence later this year, subject to occupier demand.