Labour's planning policy change is leading developers to argue for 'grey belt' status on green belt land, with major housing applications now pending across the West Midlands. Explore the key sites and local impacts.
Birmingham residents face a festive nightmare as fly-tipped Christmas rubbish piles up in Small Heath and Bordesley Green. The ongoing bin strikes, now nearly a year old, are creating a public health crisis. Read more on the council's response.
Birmingham City Council plans new parking fees at three major parks in 2026 to raise funds, sparking fierce opposition from residents and political parties. Find out the details and what it means for visitors.
A woman was arrested after police found a stolen puppy whimpering under a pile of clothes in Washwood Heath. 'Stechie' was reunited with his owner just in time for Christmas.
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.
Six of Wolverhampton's finest parks and green spaces have retained their prestigious Green Flag status. Discover the award-winning beauty spots offering free play, walks, and cafes.
Data shows a 14% drop in speeds on the B197 after a new 30mph limit was introduced. Council leaders hail the change for creating a safer, calmer road environment for residents and school children.
The full Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus for HMP Birmingham's 1,450 inmates have been disclosed. See the meal choices, from halal options to festive treats.
A male driver has died following a medical emergency in Moseley, Birmingham. Emergency services rushed to Wake Green Road but could not save him. Read the full story.
A male driver has died following a medical emergency on Wake Green Road in Moseley, Birmingham. Emergency services were called at 7.28am on December 22. Read the full story.
Coventry City Council and E.ON's joint solar farm project is approved, set to power 5,000 homes for 40 years. A key step for the city's net-zero 2038 target.
Wake Green Road in Moseley is closed following a serious collision. Police urge drivers to avoid the area as bus diversions are in place. Follow live updates.
Octopus Energy partners with Barratt Redrow to launch 'Zero Bills' homes, eliminating energy costs for a decade using green tech. The ambitious plan targets 100,000 UK households by 2030.
Plans for a major 99MW battery energy storage system in Staffordshire have been unanimously refused by councillors following nearly 150 objections over fire risks and Green Belt impact. Read the full story.
A road in south-west Birmingham was closed after a two-car collision at the junction of Scotland Lane and Frankley Lane. One person sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Get the latest traffic updates.
Travel experts issue urgent advice on stopping pickpockets in Barcelona, Europe's street crime capital. Learn the distraction scams and how to protect your valuables.
British Gas urges eligible customers to use appliances between 11am and 1pm on 19 December for half-price power. Save on bills and support green energy.
A new project in Leeds will create eight wildlife havens for pollinators and people, backed by local funding and community action. Find out how to get involved.
Hydrogen power firm GeoPura reports widening losses but is upbeat on future growth, citing major customer wins and expansion as the UK's largest green hydrogen producer. Read more.
British Gas is running a PeakSave Green Flex event on Friday 19th December, offering eligible customers half-price electricity between 11am and 1pm. Find out how to save.
Green Sefton's festive campaign uses a 'Naughty Elf' to deliver a serious message: the protected Sefton Coast is under pressure. Learn the rules to help conserve this vital landscape.
Birmingham City Council launches a public consultation on a Safer Route to School scheme for Chilcote School, including 20mph limits and traffic calming measures. Have your say by January 9.
Birmingham City Council launches consultation on 20mph speed limits and safety measures near Chilcote School in Hall Green. Have your say by 9 January.
Police are investigating after a large street fight involving weapons erupted on Kenelm Road in Small Heath, Birmingham. No arrests made. Witnesses urged to come forward.
Residents have until December 21 to respond to Stockport's controversial Local Plan. The Labour Government's new housing targets and 'grey belt' policy could lead to development on protected green spaces.
The Prince of Wales partners with Lioness Jill Scott to mark 100 years of Fields in Trust, highlighting the vital role of parks and green spaces for communities across the UK.
Construction is underway on Oldham's first solar farm at Wrigley Head, Failsworth. The council-funded project will generate clean energy for 310 homes and create local green jobs. Read more about this major step for the borough's Green New Deal.
Discover Birmingham's stunning parks and green spaces that earned it the UK's first 'Nature City' title. Explore the top 10 spots, from Sutton Park to Moseley Bog.
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.
Birmingham City Council's new plan proposes building on 17 Green Belt sites in Sutton Coldfield. Local leaders call it an 'attack on the town' and urge residents to object before the December 19 deadline.