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
Now, there is no suggestion from SMBC to ban tweeting, but I do feel the need to explain a few of the issues involved. Yes, there are councillors and members of the public who have no problems whatsoever, but there are some who urge a bit of caution, and we should respect that. At this … More Council Meetings and Twitter
Having shouted out (very loudly) Solihull is such a great place to live (and it is), I am informed of another mass of litter and other debris on the public footpath running from Shelly Lane to Stratford Road. This is an historical footpath, termed in medieval times as the ‘Kings Highway’ (see post from October … More A Bit of Litter on the Kings Highway, Monkspath
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
Video of site for proposed development of 57 houses on green belt land off Creynolds Lane, Cheswick Green, Solihull.
Two areas of tarmac have suddenly appeared in Creynolds Lane, Cheswick Green this week. I will refer to them as ‘verges’ but they are small in size, perhaps 6 feet by 6 feet and finished to a good standard; see photographs: The photograph on the left shows a tarmac area opposite number 298 Creynolds … More The case of the appearing tarmac verges
This is the theme of this evenings debate at Full Council. A special Full Council meeting has been arranged for all councillors to engage in a campaign that has been put forward by the Local Government Association (LGA). The LGA website (http://www.local.gov.uk/campaigns) briefing explains the campaign as ; ‘Rewiring Public Services is an ambitious campaign which provides much-needed … More REWIRING PUBLIC SERVICES
Ken Hawkins 