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

Five new Barston homes blocked

Plans for up to five new homes in Barston have been refused by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC).

The application was submitted in April by the Brian Michael Fisher Deceased Residuary Estate Trust and proposed demolishing existing buildings on land east of Knowle Road to make way for the new buildings.

SMBC refused planning permission in July, citing concerns over green belt development, the rural character of the site and its accessibility.

It said the development would harm the openness of the green belt and result in "unacceptable urbanisation" of the land.

Read the full article here.

Third bid for new children's home in Olton

A new planning application has been submitted to convert a house in Olton into a children's home after two previous proposals for the property were refused.

The application for Grange Road, submitted in July, asks for permission to change the property from a family home into a children's home for up to four children aged between eight and 17.

Planning documents show the property is currently a seven-bedroom home.

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council's heritage team said the proposed use, including parking at the front of the property, would not harm the character or appearance of the Olton Conservation Area.

Read the full article here.

Residents rally against 185 new homes in Meriden

Residents have rallied against plans for up to 185 new homes in Meriden, with a petition calling for the application to be refused.

The outline application, submitted for land south of Fillongley Road, would see up to 185 homes built, along with new access, landscaping, drainage features, open space and ecological enhancements.

The application, made by IM Land 1 limited, was received by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) on May 11.

A Change.org petition opposing the plans was launched by Elizabeth Roche in June.

Read the full story here.