Solihull planners have given the go-ahead for a former bar in Knowle High Street to become an office.

The 'Roaring Twenties' themed Dry Spy bar closed after a final farewell party in early August.

Applicant NFU Mutual is behind the plan to turn the former bar, at 1673 to 1675 High Street, into a new office having originally lodged the proposal with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) on October 1.

The application, to change the planning class, proposed no external alterations to the units.

And during a consultation no objections were made.

SMBC planning officers recommended approval for the scheme writing in their report: "The site is located within Knowle High Street.

"Given the nature of the existing use and the established commercial characteristics of the area, it is considered the proposed operation of an office space would not result in materially greater impacts in terms of noise, disturbance or general activity than those reasonably associated with the lawful operation of the site.

"Given the provision of two dedicated parking spaces to the rear of the site, the availability of public car parks within close proximity, and the site's location with access to public transport services, the local highway authority raises no objection to the parking provision.

"The application form confirms operating hours of 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday.

"The proposal will not be harmful to the character of the existing area or surrounding street scene, highway safety, or residential amenity."

And on November 5 officer Mark Andrews, the council's head of planning, design and engagement service, granted planning permission subject to conditions.

When the bar announced its closure last July the Dry Spy wrote on its Facebook page: "Our lease is up on the unit and so with the challenges facing the hospitality industry it's an opportunity to take a pause while the option is available.

"We wanted a safe place for good vibes – good music and the local community to come and enjoy week after week.

"It's very sad to let the doors close on such a lively venue but opportunity has knocked."

Disappointed Knowle residents left a number of messages on the post calling it a "shame" and adding they were sad to see it go.

The bar had been a 1920s themed cocktail venue and a similar venue, under the same branding, also closed in Bromsgrove in September.

Meanwhile here are other recent decisions taken by planning officers after being delegated to them:

• 56 Ashlawn Crescent, Solihull: Erection of a new front boundary wall, two access gates, and new side brick boundary walls – approved
• 63 Burman Road, Shirley: Two storey side extension over the existing garage, with single and two storey extension to the rear – approved
• 353 Station Road, Dorridge: Single storey rear extension and new solar panels to roof – approved
• 1 Brentford Road, Shirley: Single storey extension to form porch to front, two storey extension to rear – approved
• 15 Ashleigh Road Solihull: Replacement of timber garage doors – approved
• 30 Grove Road, Knowle: Alterations to the dwelling including a new hipped roof with increased ridge height – approved
• Oak View Meriden Road, Berkswell: Demolition of existing porch, construct a first floor with roof terrace and open porch – refused
• 20 Temple Road, Dorridge: Fell and remove cedar tree – refused
• 942 Warwick Road, Solihull: Single storey detached timber carport and addition of railings to existing brick wall – refused
• Nailcote Lodge, 217 Duggins Lane, Berkswell: Certificate of lawful development for proposed caravan/tiny house – approved