Keon starts on 75-home Solihull build
A total of 75 homes under construction in Meriden will help address a substantial shortfall in new homes in the region, according to contractors working on the scheme.
Staffordshire-based Keon Homes is building out the scheme at the junction of Maxstoke Lane and Birmingham Road on behalf of affordable housing group Stonewater, with completion scheduled for 2027.
The development is being built in partnership with Thornton Firkin and Solihull Borough Council.
Planning permission for the development, which is being built in former green belt land on the edge of the village, was granted in October 2024 following a near two year slog through Solihull council’s planning process.
A decision notice published by the council said substantial planning weight was given to the development’s contribution towards housing targets, with the local authority unable to demonstrate a four-year land supply for housing.
Matthew Crucefix, director of development at Stonewater, said: “It’s great to see work begin on this development after a long journey through planning. With a housing crisis that is challenging many rural communities, these homes will help tackle the housing shortage in Meriden and enable customers to stay in the community they love.
“The scope of tenures and home sizes means there will be a range of homes to meet customer needs. The sustainability features also mean that customers will see lower utility bills, which is vital in the current economic climate.”
Of the 75 homes, 22 will be available for social rent, 23 for affordable rent, 24 for shared ownership and six for rent to buy, ensuring a broad provision of tenures to meet local housing need.
Richard Williams, managing director at Keon Homes, added: “Keon Homes is delighted to be working with Stonewater on our first scheme together, which will provide 75 much-needed energy-efficient, affordable homes in a rural area.”
“We’re passionate about developing the next generation of construction talent and this scheme will allow us to take on new apprentices directly and across our predominantly Midlands-based supply chain. Our approach is always to build strong partnerships with our clients, and we hope that this project will be the first of many for Stonewater.”
