Owners of the Grade II listed Knowle Hall, a distinguished country house in the Solihull village of Knowle, have submitted plans to convert the property into a venue for weddings and events.
Dating back to the 1820s, Knowle Hall on Kenilworth Road currently serves as a private residence. The Ellis family, who have invested over £1 million in restoring the hall over the past decade, see the proposed change as essential to securing the building’s future.
According to the planning statement submitted to Solihull Council, the hall would host a range of occasions, including weddings, corporate events, workshops, and limited film and photography activities on an occasional basis. The proposal sets clear limits to maintain careful management: up to 25 larger events annually (10 corporate, 15 weddings), each hosting a maximum of 120 guests, alongside up to 40 smaller gatherings with no more than 20 guests.
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The applicants emphasize the broader community benefits, noting local businesses such as florists and caterers stand to gain, and local hotels could experience increased bookings from event attendees. This initiative will also allow more people to enjoy the historic site.
Recognized as a site of considerable architectural and historical importance, Knowle Hall’s proposed change of use is designed to be fully reversible, ensuring the preservation of its unique character. The owners regard the hall as their life’s work and remain deeply committed to its conservation.
“The proposed use will enable Knowle Hall to remain active, properly maintained, and financially sustainable,” the statement reads, highlighting that this shift is crucial for the hall’s long-term care and appreciation.
Historically, though construction began in the 1820s, Knowle Hall remained unfinished until around 1860. It was later extensively rebuilt by Robert Emilius Wilson in the mid-19th century and subsequently passed to the Everitt family, residents until 1982. Archaeological evidence on-site reveals remnants of earlier halls, including a moated structure dating back to around 1194.
For more details on the planning application, reference PL/2026/00409/PPFL is available on the Solihull Council planning portal.