Plans to demolish Solihull Police Station have been lodged with council planners in a massive blow for campaigners.

It is the latest twist in an eight year long saga which has seen widespread opposition and a campaign to keep the Homer Road-based station open.

The original controversial proposal emerged in 2018 when then Labour West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson agreed to sell off the building as part of wider plans to save the force £5 million.

It was proposed neighbourhood police teams and the public contact office based in Homer Road would "co-locate locally", with Chelmsley Wood Police Station becoming a new police team headquarters for the borough.

There had been few developments in the past few years but applicant Opus Land has now brought forward major plans to demolish the station – built in the 1960s – to be replaced with a new purpose built office building and multi-storey car park.

A design and access statement included in the application submitted to Solihull Council on June 8 says: "The development comprises an 8,937 sqm commercial office building arranged over five storeys.

"The office building is supported by a multi -storey car park arranged over five levels and providing 273 parking spaces.

"The site's location is supported by easy access to public transport and a wide range of amenities within the local area and town centre.

"The development is of an appropriate scale within the context of Homer Road and the Touchwood shopping centre behind and sits within the scale and height parameters of the town centre masterplan.

"The design proposals look to provide a grade A office that meets best practice principles of office design to create a welcoming and light working environment with best-in-class facilities."

The original controversial proposal for the site emerged in 2018 (image via LDR)

Computer-generated images of the office building have also been included in the planning application.

The news will disappoint campaigners including more than 1,000 people who signed a petition to save the station.

The original proposal has come under heavy attack over the years from local Conservatives as Mr Jamieson was a Labour PCC.

Mr Jamieson's successor Simon Foster – also a Labour PCC – and his strategic police and crime board approved the plans to sell the building in 2023.

Saqib Bhatti MP has previously raised the issue in the Commons saying a closure would go "a long way in undermining safety and security for my constituents."

Residents can have their say in a consultation which has now launched.