News
Inspired Villages Group Secures Approval for 170-Home Knowle Retirement Community
Monday, 24th November 2025 - Inspired Villages Group has achieved approval from Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council on its Hybrid planning application to deliver 170 new homes as part of a brand-new retirement community, located within Knowle, Solihull.
In addition to the first 48 extra care homes, Phase 1 of the project will deliver a vibrant village centre with facilities open to residents and the wider community, including a café, restaurant, meeting space, swimming pool, gym, and fitness studio. Alongside this, further areas will be created for exclusive use of residents, including lounges and craft rooms.
The community will join IVG’s two fully operational villages within the West Midlands - Austin Heath and Great Alne Park.
Ben Rosewall, Investment Director for Inspired Villages Group commented: “We’re delighted the application has been approved for our Knowle Retirement Community. Our other villages in the West Midlands are some of the most vibrant and popular communities so to have another site secured in the region is great news and an important addition to our growing portfolio.”
This positive approval outcome means Knowle will join IVG’s two current pipeline sites with secured planning in Broadbridge Heath (Horsham) and Edenbridge (Kent). Also within its development pipeline are three new villages under construction: Widmore Park (Sonning Common, Oxfordshire); Little Mount Lake (near Tunbridge Wells, East Sussex); and Wellcroft Green (Albourne, Sussex).
The new sites, including the new community in Knowle, will follow the group’s conscious and connected approach, which it has been committed to as demonstrated by opening the UK’s first net zero village (regulated energy) back in 2023 by incorporating efficient, innovative and sustainable design into its plans. In addition, this development specifically will deliver upgrades to pedestrian and cycle infrastructure linking the centre of Knowle, bus stop improvements, and contributions toward NHS services.
IVG’s Head of Planning, Ellen Pearce commented: “This site was brought forward as part of a wider draft allocation delivering a significant number of homes in Knowle. As well as the significant health and wellbeing benefits to its residents, the scheme will create many jobs per year during construction and up to 30-35 operational jobs once complete, bringing significant economic benefits and amenities to the local area, while also freeing up the housing market for young families.”
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Notes to Editors
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About Inspired Villages Group
Established in 2017, Inspired Villages is a leading operator and developer of purpose-built, later living communities in the UK. With a passion for improving the lives of older people and challenging the perceptions of ageing, Inspired has a proven track record of delivering high-quality, sustainable, connected and vibrant communities with resident wellbeing at the heart.
Inspired Villages' growing portfolio consists of eleven operational villages, with over 400 colleagues supporting more than 1,300 residents.
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