| Solihull Local Plan – update 23 January 2026 Solihull Council has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a Local Plan as quickly as possible, following recent correspondence from the Minister of State for Housing and Planning and a subsequent advisory visit from the Planning Inspectorate. In a letter to the Council, dated 11 December 2025, the Minister encouraged Solihull to maintain progress under the current (legacy) planning system. He also informed the Council that he had asked the Planning Inspectorate to undertake an advisory visit before Christmas. Following this visit, the Council has now issued a response setting out the steps it is taking, the challenges ahead (particularly regarding timescales and factors out of its control) and its commitment to undertake a consultation as agreed at a December Cabinet meeting. Councillor Karen Grinsell, Leader of Solihull Council, commented: “We’re keen to bring forward a plan under the current ‘legacy’ planning system, which the Government want. We know there are challenges with timescale in doing so, but we will endeavour to meet this, as it is in the best interests of the borough. “As part of this process, we will shortly be launching an issues and options consultation. This will give residents, businesses and partners the opportunity to help shape the plan. “Our priority remains clear: to put a robust and deliverable Local Plan in place as soon as possible, one that meets Solihull’s needs while protecting what makes our borough special.” Residents can keep up to date with the Local Plan by registering for the Council’s Stay Connected updates and follow all our Local Plan news on our dedicated webpage. Read the notes from the Planning Inspectorate visit here. For the latest news about Solihull’s emerging Local Plan visit our website |
HHPC News
Taylor Wimpey have updated the consultation website with information about the planning submission at www.twhockleyheath.co.uk
The link to the planning application on the Warwick District Council website can be found here: W/25/1709 | Outline planning application for the development of up to 330 residential dwellings, including public open space, landscaping, sustainable drainage features and associated infrastructure. All matters reserved except for access from Aylesbury Road. | Land South of Aylesbury Road, Lapworth
The volunteers are extending the service to offer soup and bread over the lunchtime period.
Tea / coffee / biscuits will be available as usual.
Free of charge, all welcome.
[poster promoting the Repair Cafe in Hockley Heath, including the date and time]
Dear Parish Councils
I am emailing with a couple of updates to be shared with residents.
Firstly, to say that we are once again running the energy saving scheme formerly known as Big Community Switch. This has now been rebranded to Switch Together: Energy.
The current sign up for the scheme is open until 30th Jan 2026. Please do share with your residents.
The press release can be found here: Solihull Council partners with Switch Together to help residents save on energy bills | Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
Secondly, we are continuing the Green Doors project, after a successful start in Hampton-in-Arden, providing residents with the opportunity to experience and learn about home energy upgrades and retrofit through small group tours of retrofitted homes. The next event is on 10th Jan 2026. Please also share this with your residents: Solihull – Green Doors Birmingham and the West Midlands
Blessed Yule!
David Chapman
Green Homes Lead
Housing
Economy & Infrastructure Directorate
Solihull MBC
Tel: 07741 175958
CANCELLED – This evenings Parish Council meeting has been cancelled due to the poor weather conditions and flooding around the Pavilion and with the rain forecast well into this evening.
Apologies for any inconvenience.
| We’re consulting on proposed changes to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme. Each year, we review the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for working age residents. This time, we’re proposing updates to income bands to make sure Universal Credit claimants get the maximum amount of support they are entitled to – while keeping the scheme sustainable. If you, or your friends and family, live in Solihull, please complete the survey to share your thoughts by Wednesday 7 January 2026: Council Tax Reduction Scheme consultation 2025/26 This service is provided to you at no charge by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council |