Housing

Saturday, June 13, 2026 brizenorton development housing infrastructure rafbase community oxfordshire flooding healthcare conservation

The historic village of Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, long connected with Britain’s military heritage, is confronting a dramatic transformation. Once home to fewer than 1,000 residents in 2011, its population has grown to … Read More

Friday, June 12, 2026 renters pets legislation tenancy landlords insurance wellbeing companionship labour housing

Renters across the country are eagerly embracing pet ownership after the Labour government introduced the Renters’ Rights Act last month. This legislation provides new protections for renters and explicitly stops landlords … Read More

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 mortgages fca banking finance homebuying selfemployed regulation housing lending uk

The UK mortgage market is poised for significant change following new proposals introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). These changes aim to make it easier for first-time buyers, older borrowers, and … Read More

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 chadwickend solihull housing development planning greenbelt farms construction realestate peachstone

A new housing development in the rural village of Chadwick End, Solihull, has received planning approval. Peachstone New Homes submitted the proposal to Solihull Council last November, seeking permission to demolish a series … Read More

Monday, June 8, 2026 solihull planning extension housing neighbours council millisonswood dispute approval development

Solihull Council’s planning committee has unanimously granted approval for a single-storey rear extension to a property on Bonneville Close in Millisons Wood, despite objections from a neighbouring resident. The … Read More

Sunday, June 7, 2026 dudley housing localplan greenbelt nppf planning council development legislation housingneeds

Dudley Council’s cabinet is preparing to discuss the rollout of its new local plan, despite knowing it will require replacement shortly after adoption. This unusual scenario comes as a result of recent legislative changes … Read More

Sunday, June 7, 2026 birmingham houseprices propertymarket postcodes housing homeowners pricefall firsttimebuyers realestate markettrends

House prices have significantly dropped across many parts of Birmingham over the past year, according to the latest data. Homeowners in several areas have seen the value of their properties decrease by thousands of pounds, … Read More

Saturday, June 6, 2026 cradleyheath redevelopment housing demolition factories sandwellcouncil affordablehomes heritage urbanplanning residential

A crucial decision is imminent regarding the demolition of several old factories in Cradley Heath to accommodate nearly 100 new homes. The site, formerly home to F. & L. Smout & Sons along Woods Lane, is proposed to … Read More

Friday, June 5, 2026 sandwell regeneration housing midlandmetropolitan smethwick gknfactory affordablehousing brownfield levellingup development

Sandwell Council is set to decide on ambitious plans to construct 100 new homes, including 74 flats and 26 houses, on the site of the former GKN factory on Cranford Street, Smethwick. This development is a significant part of … Read More

Thursday, June 4, 2026 homelessness birmingham stirchley cooperative housing community greensquareaccord development delays elderly

At 80 years old, retired lecturer John Holmes, who spent decades training youth workers in Birmingham, finds himself homeless amid a prolonged housing dispute in Stirchley. A resident and advocate of the Stirchley Cooperative … Read More

Thursday, June 4, 2026 counciltax disability dwp benefits disabledbandreduction england pensioncredit housing localgovernment taxrelief

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has expanded access to a valuable perk: the Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme is no longer limited to those receiving disability benefits. Households in England with disabled … Read More

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 solihull olton planning development housing sitevisit committee residents deferral construction

The Solihull planning committee has unanimously agreed to defer the decision on a proposed new home in Olton after local residents requested a site visit. The development in question involves constructing a four-bedroom, … Read More

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 dudley stourbridge heritage conservation architecture planning restoration listedbuildings community housing

Significant changes have been approved for two historic buildings in the Dudley borough, ensuring their preservation while adapting them to modern needs. At Dudley’s former police station on New Street, council planners have … Read More

Monday, June 1, 2026 midlands villages westmidlands southstaffordshire affluence deprivation birmingham housing community schools

The leafy villages of the West Midlands stand out as some of the most prosperous and desirable places to live in the region. These tranquil communities boast a standard of living well above the regional average, providing a … Read More

Saturday, May 30, 2026 fraud benefits dwp scam fraudster stuntman socialmedia court housing recovery

Gerry Sherard, the 65-year-old stuntman known for his role in the 1983 film Return of the Jedi, was exposed for fraudulently claiming £30,000 in benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Despite enjoying a … Read More

Saturday, May 30, 2026 birmingham towerblocks renovation housing refurbishment sustainability safety councilhomes infrastructure community

Nine prominent tower blocks across two Birmingham neighborhoods are poised for comprehensive transformations that will enhance both their appearance and functionality. On the Bromford Bridge estate, four towers—Kingspiece … Read More

Friday, May 29, 2026 hockleyheath housing greenbelt solihull planning infrastructure development traffic community council

Plans for a new housing estate in Hockley Heath have been approved, generating frustration among hundreds of local residents. The proposed development, set to encompass 99 homes on green belt land south of School Road, faced … Read More

Friday, May 29, 2026 dudley mould repairs damp housing council nhbc warranty awaabslaw housingrevenueaccount

Dudley Council is set to spend almost £18,000 to fix damp and mould problems caused by latent construction defects in a council-owned property on Messiter Way, built just six years ago in 2017. The council initially received … Read More

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 housing greenbelt development community planning infrastructure kingswinford wallheath protests government

Tensions are running high in Kingswinford and Wall Heath as hundreds of residents unite to oppose new housing developments they fear will overwhelm local infrastructure and destroy cherished greenbelt land. At a packed … Read More

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 birmingham bromsgrove midlands wealth deprivation property housing commuter westmidlands poverty

Birmingham is often highlighted for its significant levels of deprivation. A recent study revealed that the six poorest areas in England are all located within the city, with thousands of children affected by poverty. … Read More

Monday, May 25, 2026 rental scam fraud renters students housing westmercia upfront hmrc accommodation

Renters are being warned about a growing rental fraud in which scammers demand upfront fees for properties that either don’t exist or have already been let. West Mercia Police have highlighted that this deception is … Read More

Monday, May 25, 2026 solihull knowle greenbelt housing development affordablehousing richborough saqibbhatti conservation community

Saqib Bhatti, the Member of Parliament for Solihull, has firmly opposed the proposed housing development on green belt land in Knowle. Developer Richborough Estates intends to build 300 homes on this site, with half of the … Read More

Sunday, May 24, 2026 housing infestation birmingham travelodge disrepair tenant council sewer rat temporary

A 28-year-old tenant of Birmingham City Council has been forced to live in a Travelodge hotel for almost seven months after a severe rat infestation and a live sewer manhole were discovered in her flat’s bedroom. The … Read More

Sunday, May 24, 2026 wolverhampton redevelopment flats refurbishment dulux chapelash planning housing renovation royalquarter

A section of the historic Dulux Decorator Centre in Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton, is set for redevelopment that will bring new flats and essential renovations to the building. A planning application submitted to the City of … Read More