The Trussell Trust and Nartex would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone at Tesco Shirley for your incredibly generous food donations over the past three days. Your support has been truly overwhelming, and we are deeply grateful. We would also like to thank the Lady Mayor and our local MP for their encouragement and support.

May we also take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Taking the Green out of Tidbury Green

Our Green belt is under constant threat non more so than in Tidbury Green .

One application alone for 850 houses would double the size of the village and decimate the countryside forever.

Your voice and input is really important, if you feel the same please follow the link on the video .

Please send objections to

Planning@solihull.gov.uk

Deadline 19th November 2025

Application nos. PL/2025/01937

For further advice check out the

Tidbury Green Community Action group facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14NqHw9dUFw/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Dog Kennel Lane is subject to two large planning applications and as part of their submissions they have to address flood attenuation measures. I call on all parties to ensure that Pools and Ponds are designed to future proof not only the development but to help prevent excess water from flowing into Dickens Heath and Cheswick Green . My concern is with our climate changing and prolonged and heavier rainfall forecast the capacity must be in place to offer protection

At last night’s Stronger Communities Board meeting, I called on our local police to deliver a more visible and effective approach to speed enforcement across Blythe Ward. While we greatly appreciate the valuable work of community speed watch groups, we need a stronger police presence to make our roads safer. I urged for increased use of mobile speed vans, handheld speed cameras, and, where appropriate, average speed systems alongside more public education on road safety. The Police acknowledged these concerns and confirmed they will review the matter and provide feedback on how enforcement and visibility can be improved.

Please consider supporting this petition, it is Free to sign

https://c.org/4xpmzL77Qc

Land South of Norton Lane

A planning application (PL/2025/01937) has been submitted seeking permission for 850 new houses.

Cllr Keith Green and Cllr Ken Hawkins will be objecting to this proposal due to major local concerns.

The site lacks the necessary infrastructure, including roads, schools, and healthcare capacity, to support such a large development.

It also represents a further erosion of the Green Belt, threatening local character and open spaces. There are also serious biodiversity concerns, with potential harm to wildlife habitats and the loss of natural green areas.

At present, Tidbury Green has around 850 properties, so this proposal would double the size of the village.

Any large development of this scale would have a significant impact on road traffic and local services, affecting neighbouring communities as well.

We would therefore urge residents of Dickens Heath and Cheswick Green to also consider submitting their objections.

We will post further details shortly on how to object and the opportunity to sign a petition..

Any large development of this scale would have a significant impact on road traffic and local services, affecting neighbouring communities as well.

We would therefore urge residents of Dickens Heath and Cheswick Green to also consider submitting their objections.

We will post further details shortly on how to object and the opportunity to sign a petition.

https://publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk/online-applications

Safeguarding Nature and Biodiversity

Recently, Cllr Ken Hawkins and I have formally asked Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) to ensure that all existing trees and hedgerows are fully protected before any new development is approved. We have also requested that any Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) arising from proposed developments be applied directly to the development site itself, rather than being used as an offset in other areas. This approach will help maintain local habitats, strengthen biodiversity, and ensure genuine environmental benefits within our community.

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 few years ago where many aged trees, including Oak trees about 100 years old, were destroyed by developers before planning permission had been granted. They wish to avoid a similar situation, and whilst most developers will abide by the proper process and help to work towards good outcomes for local communities they fear some speculative developers may not.

https://cllrkenhawkins.co.uk/…/2025/10/img_6063.jpg…

Cllr Ken Hawkins stated ‘I am reminded of a previous situation to the destruction of the Forest of Isengard, in Lord of the Rings. We must avoid the same thing happening again’.

Cllr Keith Green says ‘We need to protect and preserve our environmental heritage. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever’.

Blythe Valley – Council Road Adoption

After long and protracted conversations the adoption of roads on Blythe Valley is edging ever closer .

There are several road safety issues that need to be addressed and working with Council officers these have been identified and work will be carried upon the transfer of ownership

Also in time for next May local elections it has been agreed to provide a Polling Station on Blythe Valley, potential sites are being investigated.