Solihull planners have given permission for commercial units to be built after the scheme had to go before them due to the applicant's association with a councillor.

The chairman of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council's (SMBC) planning committee used the application to reminds councillors they can expect similar situations in the future.

The authority deals with hundreds of planning applications a month and the vast majority are decided by planning officers employed by a local authority.

But major and contentious applications often go before the authority's planning committee for a decision.

To ensure transparency an application for the demolition of the existing side building and construction of three new commercial units in Lincoln Road, Olton, was 'called in' to the committee's latest meeting.

The application, originally submitted to the committee in April, was for the erection of three new light industrial/commercial units comprising storage and office space.

A planning statement included in the application said: "The development will maximise the potential of the site and provide additional flexible workspace, supporting local businesses, job creation, and economic growth.

"The proposal represents appropriate and sustainable development and is respectfully recommended for approval."

There were no objections from either statutory consultees or the public when it was put out to a consultation in June.

The official reason for referral to the planning committee is that applicant Steve O'Nyons is a close relative of Cllr Josh O'Nyons.

The application went before the latest meeting of the planning committee with chairman Cllr Bob Grinsell saying: "The only reason this is in front of us is because the applicant is a close relative of Cllr O'Nyons.

"There have been no objections – it is just a formality it comes before us."

Councillors are given training after being elected but addressing new committee members the chairman added: "So if your son, daughter, mum, dad are considering building 250 houses – it will come before the committee I promise you."

When he moved to the vote the committee unanimously granted planning permission, subject to conditions.