Area Overview for Shirley West Ward

Shirley Community Church in Shirley West Ward
Railway bridge, Bills Lane in Shirley West Ward
Junction of Priory Road and Windmill Road, Solihull Lodge in Shirley West Ward
The start of the North Worcestershire Path in Peterbrook Road, Solihull Lodge in Shirley West Ward
River Cole, Solihull Lodge in Shirley West Ward
Footbridge over the Peterbrook in Shirley West Ward
Stile on the North Worcestershire Path in Shirley West Ward
Peterbrook Road, Major's Green, Worcs in Shirley West Ward
Aqueduct over the River Cole & Aqueduct Road, Solihull Lodge, Solihull in Shirley West Ward
River Cole, near Major's Green, Worcs in Shirley West Ward
Aqueduct, Solihull Lodge in Shirley West Ward
Houses on Green Lane in Shirley West Ward
59 photos from this area

Area Information

Shirley West Ward forms part of the residential suburb of Shirley within the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull. You will find this urban electoral ward situated approximately 3 miles southeast of Solihull town centre, lying along the Stratford Road. The area covers 2.7 km², offering a compact neighbourhood bordered by Yardley Wood to the north and Bromsgrove to the south. Historically, this location dates back to around 1240 as 'Syrlie', meaning a bright clearing in Old English. Previously part of the Manor of Ulverlei, it joined Solihull parish in the late 12th century. The region features significant historical landmarks, including St James' Church, built in 1832, and the Berry Mound Iron Age Hill Fort site. A former racecourse now known as Shirley Golf Club sits within the neighbourhood, reflecting the area's evolution from a farm settlement to a prominent suburban district. Princess Margaret presented the borough charter at the local Odeon Cinema in 1954, marking a key moment in local development. Living in Shirley West Ward means residing in a community that blends historical depth with modern suburban conveniences. The proximity to Junction 4 of the M42 motorway provides direct access to Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon, highlighting its strategic location within the West Midlands landscape.

Area Type
District Borough Unitary Ward
Area Size
2.7 km²
Population
Not available
Population Density
Not available

Demographics

The community profile of Shirley West Ward reflects an established and mature neighbourhood. Residents here have a median age of 70, indicating a population skewed significantly towards older occupants. Home ownership stands at a rate of 77%, establishing the area as a stronghold for those who have purchased residences rather than renters. This high level of ownership suggests long-term residency and financial stability among householders. You will find that the ward consists primarily of owner-occupied homes, a fact confirmed by the 77% statistic present in local records. The area lacks significant deprivation compared to some neighbouring wards in south Solihull, specifically contrasting with areas like Solihull Lodge and Shirley Park. There is no recorded data regarding specific household composition breakdowns, predominant ethnic groups, or religious affiliations within the provided information. However, the age profile clearly paints a picture of a quieter, settled community. Those considering living in Shirley West Ward should note that the demographic makeup is distinct from younger, transient urban centres. The high ownership rate coupled with the older median age creates an environment where neighbours likely live in proximity for decades, fostering deep local roots and stability within the streets of this 2.7 km² district.

Household Size

total
most common

Accommodation Type

total
most common

Tenure

77
majority

Ethnic Group

total
most common

Religion

total
most common

Household Composition

total
most common

Age

70
median
Age: Total
most common

Household Deprivation

N/A
with no deprivation

NS-SEC

37
in Lower managerial occupations

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Planning

Planning Constraints

  • Flood Risk
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  • Ramsar Wetland Sites
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  • Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
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  • Protected Nature Reserve
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  • Protected Woodland
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  • Crime Risk
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who typically lives in Shirley West Ward and what is the community like?
The community is defined by a mature demographic with a resident median age of 70. Seventy-seven percent of homes are owner-occupied, suggesting a stable population of long-term homeowners rather than short-term renters. While specific data on ethnicity or religion is not available, the historical record shows deep roots dating back to 1240, creating a settled neighbourhood distinct from the more deprived areas nearby like Solihull Lodge.
How good is the digital connectivity for working from home in this area?
The area offers excellent digital infrastructure with a fixed broadband quality score of 99 out of 100. This high-speed connection ensures reliable internet access for remote work and streaming. Physical connectivity is equally strong, with the ward located just off Junction 4 of the M42 motorway, providing motorway access to Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avia for those needing to travel outside the immediate suburb.
Is Shirley West Ward considered a safe place to live regarding crime and environmental risks?
The ward presents a low crime risk with a safety score of 69 out of 100, indicating below-average crime rates. Environmentally, the area faces minimal threats, as flood risk is low with a coverage score of 2.55. There are no protected constraints such as Ramsar sites, AONBs, or woodlands, meaning planning is less restricted by nature reserves. This combination of security and environmental ease makes it a practical choice for residents seeking stability.
What are the key historical and geographical features of Shirley West Ward?
The ward, which covers 2.7 km², contains significant history including the Iron Age Berry Mound Hill Fort and St James' Church from 1832. Geographically, it is bordered by Yardley Wood to the north and Bromsgrove to the south, separated from the town centre by about 3 miles. The area transitioned from a farming settlement to a residential suburb, featuring amenities like the Shirley Golf Club on the site of a former racecourse.

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