Decision on pub's fence and outdoor bar delayed
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.
Category : Search result: change of use planning
Met Office warns of 'noticeable' UK weather change
The Met Office forecasts a significant turn to colder, windier conditions from 1st January. Find out what the New Year weather shift means for you.
Christmas advert rule change forces supermarket action
New junk food ad rules force Tesco, M&S, Asda & Waitrose to alter Christmas campaigns. Discover how brands are adapting ahead of the 5 Jan crackdown.
Fraud Alert as UK Scraps £100 Contactless Limit
A major UK rule change in March 2026 will remove the £100 contactless cap. Experts warn of a potential £31.3m fraud surge and urge banks to act. Learn how to protect yourself.
New 14-home plan for Malvern farmland submitted
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.
EV drivers face charge for overseas mileage from 2028
Labour confirms new Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) will apply to mileage driven outside the UK. Find out how the 3p-per-mile charge will work and what it means for drivers.
Last-minute report delays 50-storey Manchester tower
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 rejects student tower over heritage harm
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.
Labour Councillor Slams Government Planning Changes
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 rejects student tower over heritage impact
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.
Eight-flat Blackheath plan rejected on appeal
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.
UK gardens could be lost under new Labour housing plan
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.
Taxi VAT change to impact millions of UK journeys
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces VAT changes for private hire vehicles from January 2026, levelling the playing field but potentially raising fares. Find out how this affects you.
Dudley's carbon cut warning over 'false accounting'
Dudley Council reports a 17% drop in emissions, but a councillor warns selling buildings to the private sector risks 'false accounting' on climate progress. Read the full debate.
Tesco adds new Bosh vegan meals for Veganuary
Tesco is launching three new Bosh frozen vegan meals on December 29, perfectly timed for Veganuary 2026. The £3.75 dishes include a Hearty Lasagne and Tofu Tikka Masala. Discover the stock change and a secret code to save.
Two Nestle bars lose 'chocolate' status after recipe change
Nestle has changed the recipes of Toffee Crisp and Blue Riband, reducing cocoa content so they can no longer be legally called chocolate in the UK due to rising costs.
Rochdale planning applications decided up to December 12
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.
80-home Hockley Heath plan rejected over flooding risk
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.
New Primate Licence Law: Fines or Jail from April 2026
A major legal change for primate owners in the UK comes into force in April 2026. Find out if you need a licence, how to apply, and the penalties for non-compliance.
Unauthorised car dealership loses planning appeal
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.
Fire Service Call-Outs Jump 22% Amid Climate Change
Staffordshire firefighters attended over 1,000 extra emergencies this summer as wildfires surged. The chief fire officer warns climate change is now a year-round operational reality. Read the full report.
Solihull Council's Week: Key Decisions & Plans
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.
Third bid for new Wolverhampton petrol station
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.
AI 'Nimbyism' Service Sparks UK Planning Arms Race
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.
Two-child benefit limit scrapped, but cap remains
The DWP is abolishing the two-child limit for seven benefits, yet one in five affected households will not see full relief due to the persisting benefit cap. Discover the impact.
Indonesia, Sri Lanka floods death toll exceeds 600
BBC Breakfast shares a devastating update as flooding and landslides in Indonesia and Sri Lanka claim over 600 lives. Rescue efforts continue amid extreme weather linked to climate change.
Planning inspector dismisses Bentley Heath house appeal
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.
Labour urged to change motorway speed limit to 80mph
Motorists petition the Labour government to increase the national motorway speed limit from 70mph to 80mph for the first time since 1965, citing modern car safety. The petition needs 100,000 signatures for a debate.
Migrants cancel DWP benefits over settlement fears
A low-paid carer cancels her family's benefits, including her autistic daughter's DLA, fearing new immigration rules will block her UK settlement. Experts warn of widespread discrimination.
Solihull new home plan rejected by inspector
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.
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