Author: Ken Hawkins

Councillor at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. Blogging about issues in Blythe Ward (Monkspath, Cheswick Green, Dickens Heath and Tidbury Green) and Solihull.

LAND EAST OF JOSPEH HOUSE – STRATFORD ROAD, SOLIHULL

15 December 2025

Taylor Wimpey (developers) are consulting on proposals for some 120 new homes on ‘Land East of Joseph House, Stratford Road’. Full details about their proposals can be found via their dedicated website, where you can also have ‘your say’: http://www.tw-stratfordroad.co.uk This site accompanies the developments off Dog Kennel Lane that received outline planning permission last … More LAND EAST OF JOSPEH HOUSE – STRATFORD ROAD, SOLIHULL

Fast. Fierce. Fatal.

25 November 2025

I am posting this campaign overview from West Midlands Fire Service. Lithium-ion battery fires are one of the fastest-growing fire risks in homes today. In November 2024, a young couple tragically died in a Coventry house fire caused by the battery on an e-bike. It had been converted from a standard pedal bike. Such battery … More Fast. Fierce. Fatal.

PROTECTION OF OUR TREES AND HEDGEROWS:

16 October 2025

Blythe ward councillors, Keith Green and Ken Hawkins have requested Solihull Planners to examine how trees and hedges on green belt land can be protected from destruction by developers who may wish to circumnavigate planning niceties.  In a letter to Mark Andrews, Solihull’s Head of Planning Design and Engagement, they refer to an incident a … More PROTECTION OF OUR TREES AND HEDGEROWS:

Solihull Economic Strategy Delivery Plan Update

9 September 2025

A report before the councils Economic Development, Managed Growth & Skills Scrutiny Board next week provides an update of the borough’s economic strategy delivery plan. Since the adoption of the Economic Strategy in 2023, significant progress has been made in key areas across each of the four Themes. Overall, it is considered that the key … More Solihull Economic Strategy Delivery Plan Update

FORESTRY – the Solihull approach

3 September 2025

The Council’s Urban Forestry Strategy 2019-2029 was developed and approved to promote, sustain and enhance the urban forest within Solihull. It recognises the contribution trees make towards the character, appearance and economy for all who live, work and visit Solihull. It also sets out the wider context around the value of trees, and the Urban … More FORESTRY – the Solihull approach

Help with Council Tax for residents with a terminal illness

29 August 2025

Residents of Solihull have a range of options for financial support for those at the end-of-life. A range of support is available from the Council  which is detailed below.  Any resident who may require support with the above can contact our Financial Inclusion Team on 0121 704 6202 or via email at financialinclusion@solihull.gov.uk. Our Community Advice Hubs … More Help with Council Tax for residents with a terminal illness