The Brickmakers Arms pub in Balsall Common will be allowed to keep its recently constructed outdoor bar, perimeter fence, and big screen following a contentious planning saga that divided local authorities.
The dispute began when the pub erected a two-meter-high fence along the front of the premises, created an outdoor bar area within its beer garden, and installed a large screen on a raised platform. These additions prompted the pub landlord, Kevin McKloskey, to apply for retrospective planning permission.
Initially, Solihull Council refused the application last March. However, after submitting a revised application—mainly altering the fence by painting it black—the matter returned to the council’s planning committee for reconsideration.
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At a December meeting, councillors expressed concerns that the fencing clashed with the character of the heritage building. But by February 11, the pub had taken steps to address these issues by planting mature laurels, eight to ten feet tall, along the perimeter to soften the visual impact.
In public comments, Mr. McKloskey explained that when he took over the pub in 2023, it was in significant disrepair. The original fence had been unsafe, nearly causing injury to a child when it collapsed. Prompted by this safety concern and local feedback, they installed the new fence and enhanced the surrounding landscape with substantial planting.
Councillor Heather Delaney highlighted the decline in local pubs, stressing the importance of supporting the Brickmakers Arms to remain a vibrant community hub. While planning officer Rebecca Hadley recommended refusal based on visual and heritage concerns, several councillors praised the improvements and the pub’s efforts to innovate and stay open.
Councillor Bernadette Donnelly called the laurels “perfect” for the site due to their evergreen nature, while Councillor Dave Pinwell commended the planting as effective mitigation. Councillor Prish Sharma emphasized the need to protect local pubs through innovation and flexibility.
Ultimately, the committee voted unanimously to approve the planning application, subject to certain conditions, endorsing the pub’s outdoor features as a valuable addition to the village’s social fabric.