Author: Keith Green

Thanks go to a resident from Shirley/Majors Green for highlighting this issue. The map shows the location of the bridlepath, that leads from Dickens Heath Road, through green space and towards Bills Lane. There is a smashing circular walk, but unfortunately, as you can see from the video, there is a stretch that is completely impassable; even though the path has rock underneath. Our Bridleways and footpaths are a great way of exploring our beautiful ward and play a part in our Well-being, whether you are a dog walker, rambler or enjoying a family walk its important these are maintained...

We have been seeking more funding for local NHS services from planning developments and the good news is – its happening. From just three major planning applications in Blythe ward we find the sums sought from the NHS – Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care System (NHS ICS) total in excess of £2.2m. With the breakdown for each application (so far) being: Dog Kennel Lane (ZF/Richborough part of site): for 550 homes + £1,054,676 section 106 funding. Tilehouse Lane (Richborough Estates); for 450 homes + £862,917 section 106 funding. Tythe Barn Lane (Persimmon): for 90 homes + £345,167...

At the full Council meeting held on the 4th February 2025 Cllr Andy Mackiewicz Cabinet Portfollio Holder for Climate Change & Planning gave an update regarding the Solihull Local Plan and the next steps after the call for sites closed on the 31st January 2025. He also outlined the formula that has determined our new yearly target of 1323 new houses per year, an increase of 457 new houses per year against the target for 2024

Temporary closure of Bickenhill HWRC – 24 February – 2 March 2025: Due to essential works to enable the continued development of the HS2 High-speed rail line, it is necessary to close public access to the Household Waste Recycling Centre at Bickenhill for 7 days. The site will be closed from Monday 24 February and will re-open on Monday 3 March. Why is the site closing? The new HS2 railway will pass under the A45 as it approaches the new interchange station. This requires significant work to the road network and its adjoining slip road known as ‘A45 Service Road’. During...

PLANNING APPLICATION – DOG KENNEL LANE:  This report focuses on four main issues. Two developers for Dog Kennel Lane have now submitted their site master-plan planning applications and details can be found via the council planning portal. For ease both Ken and Keith have added the more important documents on their websites. This includes planning statement, the concept mast plan and other plans. Links to their websites can be found on this newsletter. The application reference to both applications are as follows: PL/2024/02926/PPOL – Taylor Wimpey application for 700 homes PL/2023/02656/PPOL...

This weekend along with Cllr Ken Hawkins who is in his 4th year of being a match day sponsor I attended the MFL Division 1 fixture between Chelmsley Town and Stapenhill. The welcome all supporters received was first class and very genuine, the amount of work behind the scenes to make the match day experience an enjoyable one is a credit to all the volunteers .

We 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 

The use of Robotic surgery in Solihull Hospitals new £45m elective hub as reported by ITV Central News is having a positive effect on waiting lists and speeding up recovery time .