The first stage for development for a derelict site in Shirley has been given the go-ahead despite Solihull's council leader making an objection.

The site of the former Morrisons supermarket and HSBC has been vacant since 2019 and has attracted anti-social behaviour and vandalism ever since.

A previous plan to regenerate the site was refused permission in 2022 and, as the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported a year ago, the developer behind those failed plans, the MACC Group, planned to try again with a new proposal.

On a website titled 'Stratford Road Regeneration' it unveiled a plan to convert the site into a care home of 80 bedrooms, 63 retirement apartments and six houses.

In February applicant Mohammad Raza then submitted plans to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) for just the former HSBC part of the site.

It proposed turning the ground floor of the former bank into three commercial units, with a single storey extension and new shop fronts.

In a planning statement included with the application, planning agents IDAFA Architects wrote: "Planning permission is sought to convert the existing ground floor into three separate commercial units and to extend the existing single-storey northern and western elevations.

"These elevations currently step inward, creating an "L-shaped" internal layout, and the proposal seeks to extend this area to align with the established building line along Stratford Road.

"Stratford Road is a strong and sustainable location for commercial development.

"The former banking floorplate is unusually large, and there is clear demand for smaller, more flexible commercial units to meet the needs of independent businesses that are unable to occupy large single-unit premises.

"The development maintains the established commercial use of the site, improves the appearance of the building, and delivers much-needed smaller commercial units in a highly accessible location."

The council's website shows council leader Cllr Karen Grinsell, a Shirley ward councillor, objected to the plan writing: "While I recognise the need to bring vacant premises back into use, there are currently alternative vacant units along the high street.

"We are also waiting for a final proposal for the whole site of the former Morrisons building, which this would form part of, therefore this proposal raises several significant concerns of the meanwhile and long term use.

"There is the distinct lack of a clear plan for the use of the former HSBC and Morrisons site."

The leader also highlighted the application was for commercial units "within use Class E".

Cllr Grinsell added: "Class E use is extremely broad and could result in an over-concentration of uses such as convenience retail or takeaway-style outlets.

"This risks harming the character and balance of the local centre and undermining existing businesses."

But officer Mark Andrews, the council's head of planning, design and engagement service, issued a decision notice last month granting planning permission, subject to conditions.

Among the conditions are work has to have begun on site within three years of permission being granted.

Meanwhile the planning portal shows an application for the Morrisons section is still yet to be submitted to Solihull planners.

To view the application which has been approved search for application PL/2026/00307/PPFL at https://publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk/online-applications.