Solihull 2025 Planning Appeals: Wins and Losses
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.
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.
NatWest expands its ringfenced social rent loan fund to £1bn, aiming to accelerate the building of affordable homes and save housing associations up to £50m. Read the full announcement.
UK taxpayers have paid over £900 million to councils repurchasing former social housing under Right to Buy. Sheffield and Edinburgh lead the list. Read the full analysis.
Paula Burnham, owner of Luxe Hair Design in Solihull, stood in front of contractors after roadworks appeared without warning, severely impacting her crucial festive trade. Read the full story.
New data shows Birmingham residents face waits up to 250 weeks for social housing. Discover the worst-hit areas and how the council's system works.
New data reveals 16 Birmingham areas are 'red zones' for council housing waits, with Quinton's 250-week lead. Discover the full list and official advice for applicants.
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.
Santander has agreed a major £310 million refinancing package with housing association Peabody, supporting its plans for regeneration and new affordable homes across London and the Home Counties. Read the full details.
Solihull Council's cabinet approves £340,000 to finalise designs for the transformative Kingshurst village centre regeneration, including a new community, health, and retail hub. Read the latest.
Councillors postpone a decision on 57 new social homes in Charnock Richard, opting for a site visit after residents warn of overdevelopment and inadequate infrastructure.
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.
The UK faces a rapid increase in older private renters, with numbers set to treble by 2040, raising serious concerns over retirement finances and housing suitability. Discover the full story.
Developer Richborough unveils plans for 650 dwellings and a new country park on land off Whitmore Road. Public consultation open until December 7.
A Solihull council tenant has been banned from his property for three months after a court granted a Closure Order due to reports of Class A drug misuse and anti-social behaviour. Report issues confidentially.
Thousands on Housing Benefit or Universal Credit can apply for Discretionary Housing Payments, averaging £722. Learn eligibility and how to claim this vital rent support.
Solihull Council grants listed building consent for a major refurbishment of the Grade II listed Mason Arms pub, a High Street landmark with origins in the 1700s. Read the full details.
Birmingham City Council's new Local Plan proposes 15 Green Belt sites in Sutton Coldfield for housing, with over 8,200 potential homes. Public consultation extended to December 19.
A public inquiry into 115 homes on Walsall green belt land has started. Developers accuse the council of a 'catastrophic failure' in housing supply. Read the latest.
A public inquiry into 115 homes on Walsall green belt hears claims of 'catastrophic' council housing failure and debates 'grey belt' status. Inspector's decision due by January 2026.
Birmingham City Council signs deal for 65 affordable homes on Long Nuke Road, including social rent and shared ownership. New sports facilities also planned. Read more.
Solihull Council plans a new crackdown on fly-tipping after reporting over 3,000 incidents last year. Discover the new strategy and how residents can help.
A couple has been sentenced for illegally renting out their Solihull Council property while living in Essex, making nearly £3,000 profit. Read how the fraud was uncovered.
Birmingham City Council partners with Keon Homes and Bromford to build 65 high-quality affordable homes in Northfield, including social rent and shared ownership properties. Read more about this key housing initiative.
Road deaths in Solihull show a downward trend, but new data reveals the borough is unlikely to meet its 2030 road safety target. Discover the latest figures and accident hotspots.
Sandwell Council approves plans to convert the historic Corks Social Club into homes, despite highways officers calling the lack of parking 'unacceptable'. Read the full story.
Architect argues co-living spaces offer affordable city-centre homes for key workers, freeing up family housing and reducing congestion. Is this the solution Bristol needs?
Sandwell Council has refused plans to demolish the empty Crown Inn in Old Hill for a new shop, stating the land is reserved for future housing or employment use. Read the full details.
Solihull railway station was forced to close early on 1st December 2025 due to a lack of available staff. Get the latest updates on the disruption and reopening here.
A Birmingham supported housing firm has gone bust, owing over £12.2m. Administrators report threats, arson, and intimidation of vulnerable tenants. Read the full investigation.
A government planning inspector has dismissed an appeal to build a four-bedroom house on a Solihull green space, siding with residents who argued it would spoil their 'lovely crescent'. Read the full ruling.