Watling Real Estate has brought to market a highly sought-after freehold residential development opportunity in Hockley Heath, Solihull. The 4.4-acre greenfield site is being offered subject to planning and is already generating strong demand from developers keen to secure a presence in one of the West Midlands’ most desirable locations.
Located on Aylesbury Road, the site sits within an affluent commuter village just five miles from Solihull town centre and close to key motorway junctions. The land, formerly owned by GR No.18 Ltd—a subsidiary of Godwin Land Ltd—is earmarked for housing in the borough’s emerging Local Plan, making it a prime candidate for residential development.
Receivership and Early Momentum
The instruction follows the appointment of Andrew Foster and Chris Walker of Watling Real Estate as joint Law of Property Act Receivers in July. Since then, the site has attracted considerable attention from both regional and national housebuilders.
Toby O’Sullivan, director at Watling Real Estate, commented:
“This is a rare opportunity to deliver a premium residential scheme in one of Solihull’s most desirable locations. A previous proposal envisaged 30 executive homes, but the site could accommodate a higher-density scheme subject to a thoughtful redesign. We’ve already received significant levels of early interest and we expect competition to be strong.”
Strategic Location
Hockley Heath combines village charm with exceptional connectivity. The site is located just two miles from Junction 4 of the M42 and Junction 16 of the M40, providing direct routes to Birmingham, Coventry, Warwick, and Stratford-upon-Avon. Solihull itself, with its thriving retail, leisure, and business hub, is just a short drive away.
Education is another major draw: several Ofsted-rated “Outstanding” and “Good” schools are within easy reach, making the location particularly attractive to family buyers. Transport links into Birmingham city centre also enhance the site’s long-term marketability.
Market Appeal
With average house prices on Aylesbury Road around £600,000, the local market demonstrates robust demand for quality housing. Developers will recognise the potential for an aspirational scheme that capitalises on both the strength of the Solihull market and the site’s premium setting.
Part of a Wider Instruction
The Hockley Heath land is one of five sites across the UK that Watling Real Estate was appointed to market on behalf of various Godwin group companies earlier this year. The other sites are located in Derby, Bristol, Wisbech (Cambridgeshire), and Erdington, Birmingham.
For developers seeking opportunities in high-value markets, the Hockley Heath site represents a compelling proposition with the potential for strong sales values and sustained demand.
