How Birmingham residents defeated HMO plans in 2025
A look at how community action led to the rejection of several HMO applications in Birmingham in 2025, from Handsworth to Erdington. Read the success stories.
A look at how community action led to the rejection of several HMO applications in Birmingham in 2025, from Handsworth to Erdington. Read the success stories.
Anora Sharma condemns the 11-year jail term for Diogo Bettencourt, who murdered her brother Anthony in a Birmingham HMO. She says the justice system has failed her family.
A look back at the key planning appeals in Solihull for 2025, where residents challenged council refusals. Discover which decisions were overturned by the government inspector.
Rochdale Borough Council has validated a new batch of planning applications, including home extensions, heritage works, and a new bungalow. Discover the latest local development news.
Rochdale Borough Council has issued a wave of planning decisions, approving extensions, new homes, and commercial changes across the borough. Discover the latest developments.
Birmingham Hospice is opening a new community cafe, Hive In The Park, in the historic Rookery House in Erdington in early 2026. The 'warm and welcoming' space will offer cheap food and drink. Read more and find out how to volunteer.
Morethan Property Ltd submits fourth planning application for 205 High Street, Brownhills, seeking to demolish a bungalow and build six one-bed apartments. Read the full story.
Diogo Bettencourt, one of Birmingham's most mentally unwell men, is jailed for life for murdering neighbour Anthony Sharma. He was on clozapine, a 'last resort' medication.
Solihull councillors will visit the 300-year-old Brickmakers Arms in Balsall Common before deciding the fate of its controversial fence and outdoor bar. Read the latest in the planning saga.
West Midlands Police's Operation Skybridge team has made a major impact in Erdington, making 10 arrests and seizing over 20 vehicles. Discover how proactive policing is tackling burglary and drug crime.
West Midlands Police made ten arrests and seized over 20 vehicles in Erdington as part of Operation Skybridge. 19 charges were brought following the proactive operation.
Disability charity Scope announces plans to close 77 of its 138 UK stores, including Erdington in Birmingham, to save £4 million. Read the full list of closures and the reasons behind the decision.
A developer has submitted fresh plans for 14 homes on Malvern farmland, months after a scheme for nine properties was rejected by the council and dismissed on appeal. Read the latest details.
A 1,000-page last-minute report has delayed a decision on a 750-flat Manchester skyscraper for a second time. Meanwhile, a controversial Chorlton redevelopment gets the green light.
Birmingham councillors have refused plans for a 263-bed student block near New Street station, citing 'less than substantial' harm to historic buildings like the Town Hall.
A Birmingham Labour councillor has publicly criticised his own government's proposed planning reforms, calling them a 'disaster about to happen' that will trash vital protections.
Birmingham's planning committee has refused a 263-bed student accommodation tower, fearing harm to historic buildings like the Town Hall. Read the full debate.
Planning Inspectorate dismisses appeal for eight apartments in Blackheath, upholding Dudley Council's refusal. The scheme was deemed too dense and a risk to pedestrian safety.
New government planning proposals could see residential gardens used for new homes. Read the full details of the consultation and the political row it has sparked.
Diogo Bettencourt receives life sentence for the brutal murder of neighbour Anthony Sharma in an Erdington HMO. The killer, who has schizophrenia, hid the body and tried to use the victim's bank card.
Rochdale Borough Council has issued decisions on a range of planning applications, including home extensions, tree removals, and commercial changes. Discover the latest outcomes for properties across the borough.
Diogo Bettencourt has been sentenced to life for the brutal murder of Anthony Sharma in an Erdington HMO. The killer, who has schizophrenia, concealed the body in a sleeping bag. Read the full court report.
Plans for a vital 20-bed safe centre in Erdington to support vulnerable West Midlands children are recommended for approval, addressing a critical regional shortage.
Solihull Council has refused plans for 80 new homes on green belt land in Hockley Heath, citing unresolved flood risks. Read the full story on the local planning clash.
West Midlands Cars in Wednesbury has lost its appeal to continue operating. The council cited severe congestion and safety risks. Read the full timeline and outcome.
From a historic pub facelift to a new fly-tipping crackdown, here's your roundup of the latest news and decisions from Solihull Council this week.
A developer makes a third attempt to build a petrol station, shop, and car wash on a site in Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, closed since 2005. Previous bids were rejected over noise and design concerns.
A new AI tool called Objector generates planning objections in minutes, raising fears of an automated 'nimbyism' arms race that could undermine housing development across the UK.
West Midlands Police uncover a large-scale cannabis farm across three floors of a Stockland Green property. 143 plants seized. Investigation ongoing.
A government planning inspector has upheld Solihull Council's refusal of a house extension on Widney Road, ruling it would harm the street's character. Read the full details.