Plans to convert a grade II listed building in Meriden into four homes have been approved by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC).

The Main Road scheme will also see the former offices extended and altered.

According to the design statement submitted with the application, the proposals will restore historic features including "the original historical entrance to the building".

The plans also include new windows, removing the "unattractive" security gates, and a rear extension to create the four homes at the building which is next to the Bull's Head pub.

The application said the development would improve the appearance of the property and return it to its "traditional residential use".

The design statement acknowledged that some historic fabric would be lost as part of the conversion, but said the proposals were "considerate of the building's historic significance and character".

However, the scheme attracted objections, including from Meriden Parish Council which cited "overdevelopment" and "parking concerns".

The parish council also requested that, should the development be approved, "the appearance of the current frontage is retained".

The former ward member, Cllr Andrew Burrow, was "not opposing the conversion of 91 Main Road to housing" raised concerns about parking alongside parish councillors.

Other objections labelled the development as "overbearing" and said it would result in a "loss of light", causing "harm to neighbouring amenity".

Despite the concerns raised, the council's highways officer raised "no objection to the proposed development," noting the parking area is set to be widened as part of the scheme.

The council also addressed concerns from neighbours about the impact of the development.

Originally, the scheme also included more works on the first floor, but planning officers considered these would have a "detrimental impact on neighbouring amenity" and "would have been unacceptable".

"Following discussions with the applicant," this element of the proposal above was removed.

The report said this would help ensure that the amenity space closest to the rear of 3 Glovers Close was not impacted upon.

The proposed development was therefore considered "acceptable from this perspective".

Click here to view the full planning application.