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.
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.
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.
Plans for a new safe centre in Birmingham to house vulnerable children have been narrowly approved by councillors, despite concerns over the demolition of heritage buildings. The facility aims to address a critical local shortage.
Hinckley Museum and dozens of local volunteers were celebrated at the annual Making a Difference awards. Discover the community champions making a real impact.
A new study reveals the nation's pride in UK engineering, from the London Underground to the World Wide Web. Discover the top 20 and hear from Nissan's Sunderland plant on future innovation.
A blue plaque now commemorates Charles Dickens' first public reading of 'A Christmas Carol' at Birmingham Town Hall in 1853. Discover the historic event and its modern celebration.
Discover 21 fascinating historic sites across Birmingham and the West Midlands, from medieval churches to fire museums, perfect for your 2026 visit. Plan your cultural journey now.
Historic England has elevated Draper's Windmill in Margate to Grade II* listed status. Discover the story of this rare working smock mill and its unique restoration.
The government has rejected calls to double the Personal Tax Allowance for state pensioners, citing cost and targeting issues. Over 30,000 signed the petition.
A new petition calls on the Labour government to allow standard car licence holders to drive motorhomes up to 4250kg, aligning with EU proposals. Over 1,500 have signed.
A public petition urges the Labour government and HMRC to raise the personal allowance from £12,570 to £20,000, offering families potential savings of nearly £3,000. Over 28,000 have signed.
Aviation enthusiasts can now book a flight in a legendary Spitfire from Tatenhill Airfield near Stoke-on-Trent from April 2026. Experience a unique journey through Britain's aviation history.
Discover how common Norse heritage is in Britain and which surnames hold clues to Viking roots. A DNA test could reveal your family's history this Christmas.
A campaign to rename Birmingham Airport after Black Sabbath's Ozzy Osbourne has gained over 76,000 signatures but has been officially rejected by airport bosses. Read the full story.
A public petition urging the government to raise the personal tax allowance to £20,000 has passed 30,000 signatures, piling pressure on Labour. Find out what happens next.
A parliamentary petition calls on the Labour government to mandate driving retests for drivers aged 70 and over to improve road safety. 10,000 signatures needed for a response.
A parliamentary petition calls for the state pension age to be lowered to 60, as experts warn raising it to 71 would condemn millions to poverty. Read the full story.
A 123-year-old pub clock in a historic Midlands market town is telling time again after a £6,000 restoration. Discover the story behind this community landmark.
Birmingham Museum's new Hidden Spaces tours reveal century-old football rivalry graffiti scrawled by builders in the rafters. Discover the city's working-class history.
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.
Birmingham Museums Trust launches urgent £2m public appeal. Half its costs are unfunded, putting the city's world-class cultural heritage at a 'critical crossroads'. Your help is needed.
Experience the magic of a traditional Christmas with festive steam train rides at Birmingham's heritage railways. Book now for Santa Specials and winter wonderland journeys.
Challenge your Scottish knowledge with our St Andrew's Day quiz covering history, culture and traditions. Perfect for testing your heritage awareness this festive season!
Birmingham Museums Trust launches a vital £2 million public fundraising campaign to save the city's cultural heritage. Your support is needed to keep our museums open.
Discover how the Throckmorton family's takeover of Coughton Court introduces Historic Houses membership for free entry from March 2026. Explore Warwickshire's heritage today!
The DWP has officially responded to a petition signed by over 20,600 people demanding the £10 Christmas Bonus for benefit claimants be increased to £165 to account for inflation.
Discover 15 historic ancient and religious sites across the West Midlands perfect for family days out this winter. Explore Roman ruins, medieval castles and more.
Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens is growing heritage Golden Grape tomatoes as part of a national seed relay celebrating 50 years of seed conservation. Discover how this helps UK food security.
Activist Simply Sayo brings her 'It Takes A Village' campaign to Birmingham, urging Black heritage donors to help save lives. Book your appointment now.
A public petition urging HMRC to raise the Personal Tax Allowance to £20,000 has gained significant traction. Read the government's response and what happens next.