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

Knowle land for sale

A major piece of land on the edge of Knowle described as a "long term investment" is on the market.

Xact Homes is marketing the 2.25 acre plot of green belt land off "the prestigious" Bakers Lane.

Described as "ideal for equestrian use," the land is available for £200,000.

The property listing says: "This parcel of land is positioned in a sought-after location, renowned for its tranquil surroundings and excellent accessibility. The property benefits from direct road access, providing ease of entry and exit, which enhances its appeal for a variety of uses.

Read the full article here.

New quarry

Plans to extract more than half a million tonnes of sand and gravel from a site to the south of The Belfry and Aston Villa's training ground will go in front of councillors next week.

Warwickshire County Council's regulatory committee – the panel of 12 elected officials who make the final decision – is being advised to approve the establishment of a quarry on agricultural fields located in between Wishaw and Lea Marston at Tuesday's meeting at Shire Hall, Warwick (10.30am).

The 16.9 hectare site is to the west of Haunch Lane and east of Reindeer Park, Lea Marston, with the decision requiring the approval of councillors because the southern part of the land has not been allocated for extracting minerals.

The permission, sought by Burton-on-Trent-based Willshee's Aggregates, would be for eight years and see the current HS2 access off Kingsbury Road utilised. It is left-turn only and National Highways have not objected to the volume of traffic that it is likely to add to junction 9 of the M42.

Read the full article here.

HMO blocked

Solihull planners have blocked plans for a HMO in Marston Green but an applicant has not given up trying to develop the site.

It is the second time plans for the site near Birmingham Airport have failed to come to fruition.

Applicant PMI Property Holdings LTD applied for permission to turn 211 Elmdon Lane, on the outskirts of BHX, into a six bedroom house in multiple occupancy in March.

The application included plans for a three metre storey extension at the rear, new porous surfaces to provide parking and access improvements, and a new boundary wall at the front of the property.

Read the full article here.

Green belt development blocked

Plans to build six self-build homes on green belt land off Wootton Lane in Balsall Common have been refused by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC).

The Permission in Principle (PIP) application, submitted by Mr S Morrison, proposed the construction of six dwellings on land currently used as grass fields and garden land.

In a planning statement supporting the scheme, the applicant argued the site was suitable for housing despite its green belt designation.

The document stated the land was "closely related to the built extent of Balsall Common" and described it as "grey belt land that does not strongly contribute to the key Green Belt purposes".

Read the full article here.