I have just returned from a briefing about the local development plan. In attendance (doing the briefing) were Anne Brereton (Head of Places Directorate SMBC), Rachael Batts (Spatial Development), Gary Palmer (Head of Planning) and Cllr Ian Courts (Cabinet Member for responsibility of Economic Development and Land). In addition to me were Cllr Richard Holt, … More LDP – SMBC Position statement
Please find posted the latest monthly newsletter from the Rural neighbourhood team – including most of the Meriden sector. Newsletter May 2014 Of note in this months report is information on an arrest for car crime in Dickens Heath – and the subsequent reduction in reported offences; Solihull’s Food Team testing at take-a-ways; the ‘Love Solihull’ … More Neighbourhood Newsletter – May 2014
Please find posted the latest (March) newsletter from the Rural Neighbourhood Team. The report outlines a few issues affecting the whole of the borough, especially scams used by criminals as well as information about thefts from motor vehicles. Newsletter March 2014 Please note, you can meet your local police teams at the following locations: Wednesday … More Neighbourhood Newsletter – March 2014
An interesting planning application came before Planning Committee at our last meeting. It involved the change of empty offices to become ten two bed-room apartments and eight one bed-room apartments. These were the offices of Parkridge, who managed Dickens Heath but went into liquidation around 2007. The offices were next to mixed use units (shops, cafe’s … More Former parkridge Offices – Dickens Heath
My great interest in education drove me to becoming a councillor. I have been a governor at Monkspath Junior & Infants school for some 25 years and being a governor encouraged me to try and make a difference at the next level – some 12 years ago. It comes as no surprise then I sit … More DEMOGRAPHY AND SCHOOL PLACE PLANNING
Please find posted the latest monthly newsletter from the Neighbourhood Teams covering the rural/Meriden sector of the borough. I post this specifically for Blythe ward but all other ward activities can be viewed on the report. Newsletter February 2014 The report includes new sentencing guidelines for fly-tipping; a scam which is affecting older residents right … More Neighbourhood Newsletter – February 2014
Following on from the successful planning application for a betting shop on Main Street, Dickens Heath I have looked at a few issues; readers may wish to view the post on my website of 23 February https://cllrkenhawkins.co.uk/2014/02/23/planning-aplication-betting-shop-in-dickens-heath/ Notwithstanding reasons for objection from residents and two speakers (one a ward councillor, the other a former councillor) … More BETTING SHOPS – A need to rewire licensing
I thought I should post a few comments about the application by William Hill Organisation that came before the Council’s Planning Committee last Wednesday, 19 February. It is not usual for members of the Planning Committee to provide a public rationale for decisions but as a ward councillor I make the following comments as to … More Planning Aplication – Betting shop in Dickens Heath
West Midlands Fire Service is consulting on its plan for 2014 – 17. They have published a document ‘The Plan 201 – 2017: Making West Midlands Safer’. The document can be viewed here: Plan_Consultation and further information can be found via their website: http://www.wmfs.net/ Please feel free to have your say on how you want the … More FIRE SERVICE CONSULTATION
At yesterdays Planning Committee there were several applications in respect of Blythe Ward. I have posted here the link to the committee agenda and to access each individual application just click on the relevant agenda item: http://eservices.solihull.gov.uk/mginternet/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=251&MId=301&Ver=4 Agenda items 7 and 8 related to applications to build houses in Dickens Heath. Both these applications are … More PLANNING APPLICATIONS UPDATE
Ken Hawkins 