Here are the biggest local planning stories from the past week.

Knowle bar turns to offices

Plans have been submitted to turn a vacant bar on Knowle High Street into an office.

The application, submitted by Edward Marlow of NFU Mutual on October 1, proposes a change of use for the ground floor of 1673-1675 High Street, Knowle.

The unit was previously home to The Dry Spy, a 1920s-style cocktail bar which closed in August 2026, according to the planning application.

The application is scheduled to enter the consultation stage on November 4.

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Prayer marquee renewal rejected

A Solihull mosque has been refused permission to keep a temporary marquee any longer after more than 90 local residents objected.

The marquee was erected at Solihull Central Masjid in 2020 to allow for socially-distanced prayers during the pandemic. Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) planners later said the marquee would have to come down as it was considered inappropriate development in the green belt.

But the Warwick Road place of worship went on to win an appeal with the planning inspectorate noting the "community and social need for the development" and found "very special circumstances exist to justify the temporary planning permission".

As the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported last year Solihull Central Masjid was given permission for another year in February.

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Public space makeover hits block

A key scheme aimed at improving Solihull town centre still needs vital funding to help it progress.

A report to the West Midlands Combined Authority's (WMCA) Investment Board showed the Solihull Town Centre Public Realm Improvement scheme still needing £148,000 funding before the next phase can begin.

WMCA bosses are set to meet with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) next month to receive an update on the scheme's progress.

The aim of the project is to upgrade pedestrian pathways, squares and green spaces to improve visitor experience, link to transport hubs, retail areas and park and tie in with other major regeneration schemes such as Mell Square.

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