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.

Catering college proposed for Chelmsley Wood Town Centre

23 January 2025

Planning application PL/2024/02970/PPFL relates to an application for a ‘Change of use to catering college’ by University College Birmingham (UCB). This looks like a brilliant opportunity for the area to replace units that have been vacant for a long time. Decrease levels of unemployment in the area by introducing training and skillsto support local business … More Catering college proposed for Chelmsley Wood Town Centre

Whitlocks Reach, Dickens Heath

15 January 2025

I have posted about this site before – it forms the smaller plot of site BL1 within the (now withdrawn local plan). Planning application PL/2024/00728/PPFL for 90 homes was submitted in April last year. Full details of the application can be found on the councils planning portal: https://publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=SC3DRWOEHLK00 A few important documents are posted here: Updated Layout: https://publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk/online-applications/files/FFDB5480E4913BDCF838EE580045028D/pdf/PL_2024_00728_PPFL-UPDATED_INFORMATION_-_PLANNING_LAYOUT-2172076.pdf Flood … More Whitlocks Reach, Dickens Heath

DOG KENNEL LANE

7 January 2025

PL/2024/02926/PPOL relates to ‘Outline planning application (with all matters reserved except access) for phased residential development including affordable housing and self-build homes (Class C3); a care or retirement home (Class C2); a primary school (Class F1); retail and commercial uses (Classes F2 and E); vehicular access from Dog Kennel Lane and Tanworth Lane; public open … More DOG KENNEL LANE

BUS FARE CAP INCREASE – Motion to Council

11 December 2024

This matter came before Solihull Council yesterday evening where a motion objecting to the increase was supported by all but one councillor, with the LibDem and Green councillors supporting an amended motions which I proposed. The motion we agreed reads: “Council notes the Labour Government’s decision to raise the single fare cap on bus journeys … More BUS FARE CAP INCREASE – Motion to Council

EAST BIRMINGHAM NORTH SOLIHILL ZONE (EBNS)

13 November 2024

This is being discussed at this evening meeting of Solihull Councils Economic Development, Managed Growth and Skills Scrutiny Board; links to reports are shown below. As a former Shard End lad I know North Solihull is part of a wider functional economic geography, and broader communities, that includes East Birmingham, and which faces similar challenges. … More EAST BIRMINGHAM NORTH SOLIHILL ZONE (EBNS)

ROUGH SLEEPERS – Winter Pressure Funding

6 November 2024

This has been abridged from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government webpage: In brief: Solihull has been awarded £31,880 to help meet extra pressures this winter. ‘The winter period is particularly high-risk for individuals sleeping rough due to increased risks of ill health from extreme weather conditions. People who are homeless or rough … More ROUGH SLEEPERS – Winter Pressure Funding