Alexander Brock

Birmingham City Council has reaffirmed plans for 20mph speed limits to become standard on B and C-class and unclassified local roads, excluding major A roads. The policy forms part of the council’s long-term Local Plan and Birmingham Transport Plan, which prioritize walking, cycling and safer neighbourhoods in response to serious road casualties. The rollout would be gradual and require consultation, with enforcement and other traffic-calming measures also under consideration. Council leaders, including Green deputy leader Julien Pritchard, support the policy as a way to protect pedestrians and vulnerable road users, while the issue has previously faced opposition from motorists who view it as unfair punishment.

Birmingham City Council has outlined a 20-year vision to rejuvenate Erdington town centre, acknowledging that its high street has declined in recent years. Proposed measures include redeveloping Central Square and the former swimming baths, creating a community square, improving links between Erdington railway station and the high street, remodelling Wilton Outdoor Market, upgrading public spaces and pedestrian routes, and supporting new homes, businesses, leisure facilities and community services. The plan also aims to celebrate historic buildings and strengthen the day- and night-time economy. Crime concerns have been addressed through West Midlands Police's Operation Fearless, funded by £880,000 in money seized from criminals.

Birmingham City Council has refused plans to convert Molly’s Café in Kings Norton into a nine-room bed and breakfast. Councillors and Northfield MP Laurence Turner raised concerns about parking, residential amenity, disruption and the possibility that the premises could later be used as an HMO or temporary accommodation. Although council officers said the proposal resembled short-stay accommodation, would have limited parking impacts and could benefit the visitor economy, the planning committee rejected it over residential amenity and highways concerns.

Birmingham City Council has approved a proposal by Jet Infrastructure Ltd to erect a 20-metre 5G mast on land opposite 101 Walsall Road in Sutton Four Oaks. Residents, Sutton Town Council and local councillors objected that the mast would be visually intrusive and out of character with the low-rise residential area. The council concluded that existing trees and street infrastructure would reduce its impact, that the applicant had considered 40 alternative sites, and that the benefits of improved 4G and 5G coverage outweighed the limited visual and residential harm.

Birmingham City Council officers have recommended approval of plans to convert part of an existing café at The Green in Kings Norton into a nine-room bed and breakfast. Northfield MP Laurence Turner and former councillor Carmel Corrigan objected over parking pressures and the size of one proposed bedroom, but council officers judged the parking impact manageable and the room size acceptable. They also concluded that the proposal would operate as short-stay accommodation rather than a HMO or temporary housing, and would support the historic building's viability, the visitor economy and local employment. Birmingham's planning committee is due to consider the application on August 13.

Birmingham City Council planning officers have recommended approval for plans to demolish most of Fortis Academy in Great Barr and replace the ageing buildings through the Department for Education’s School Rebuilding Programme. The proposal includes new teaching, dining, sports and performing arts facilities, improved play areas, landscaping, parking and community sports access. Concerns from Councillor Graham Green and residents about unsafe parent behaviour and obstructive parking were acknowledged but deemed matters for highway enforcement rather than the planning process. Construction would take place in six phases, with the completed school intended to open in 2030.

Plans for a 20-metre 4G and 5G telecommunications mast opposite 101 Walsall Road in Sutton Four Oaks have drawn objections from Sutton Town Council, Conservative councillor Raaj Shamji and 25 residents over its visual impact and proximity to homes. Birmingham City Council officers said the mast would have a moderate effect on visual amenity but would be partly screened by mature trees and would not significantly harm residential outlooks. After considering 40 alternative sites, the applicant identified this location as the least harmful option for delivering required coverage. Officers recommended that the installation receive approval, with the planning committee due to consider the plans on 13 August.

The number of unauthorised encampments in Birmingham rose sharply during 2025/26, disrupting residents and creating substantial clean-up, reinstatement and security costs for Birmingham City Council. Councillor Sam Forsyth criticised the burden placed on local residents and park groups, while also arguing that the city lacks adequate permanent transit pitches for the Gypsy and Traveller community. The council has one developed transit site at Proctor Street and is working to formalise use of a second site at Tameside Drive, but it has been unable to identify enough additional sites for its proposed negotiated-stopping pilot. It plans to invest in stronger park boundaries and preventative measures, while a regional development strategy is expected to consider future pitch provision across the West Midlands.

Birmingham City Council says the former Garrison pub on Garrison Lane could eventually return to use as a public house. The site, associated with the real-life gangsters who inspired Peaky Blinders, is currently occupied by a kitchen and bedroom retailer but is identified in the council’s draft Local Plan as a cultural landmark and part of a proposed Peaky Loop heritage route. The plan aims to protect the building’s potential for pub use while supporting wider regeneration in Digbeth, including housing, creative industries, film and television studios, improved green infrastructure and connections to the redeveloped Sports Quarter.

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker says he remains committed to helping restore The Crown pub in Birmingham, a key site in Black Sabbath’s history that has been vacant for more than a decade. He plans to raise its future with new Birmingham council leader Roger Harmer, while culture and heritage cabinet member Deborah Harries says discussions with owner Toyoko Inn and other stakeholders are progressing. Toyoko Inn’s plans reportedly include restoring the pub and building a roughly 300-bed hotel on the rear car park. Council representatives also want to improve Station Street’s heritage protections, public realm and pedestrian safety.

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker and nightlife industry figures welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s decision to cut business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues by 20 percent, calling it a helpful but initial step toward easing pressures on the hospitality sector. Parker said more comprehensive support is needed, including potential changes to national insurance burdens, while industry representatives stressed the need for further intervention to protect the night-time economy. Parker also urged the appointment of a dedicated Night-Time Economy Minister to champion the sector’s interests amid ongoing economic challenges.

Birmingham City Council has approved the sale of the former Falcon Lodge Community Centre as part of its ongoing asset disposal programme aimed at addressing financial deficits and equal pay liabilities. The purchaser, a local charitable organisation, plans to demolish existing structures, use temporary facilities and ultimately build a new permanent community centre. Councillors highlighted both community support and the need for assurances on delivery, while commissioners noted progress in asset sales but warned that the full disposal target of £750m may not be met before 2028.

Birmingham City Council approved the sale of the Mole Street Depot in Sparkbrook to a charitable trust planning a major mosque and community complex. The disposal forms part of the council’s wider asset sale programme launched after its effective bankruptcy in 2023. Officials said the redevelopment aligns with current land use and should benefit local services and community cohesion. The sale will support the council’s financial recovery plan by generating capital receipts and reducing management costs. Government-appointed commissioners noted progress on asset disposals but warned the full programme may extend to 2028, with significant sales still required to address historic deficits and equal pay liabilities.

Birmingham City Council outlined plans for new security measures across 32 parks to curb escalating unauthorised encampments, which cost the authority £132,770 between April and June through enforcement, clean‑ups and repairs. Councillors acknowledged resident concerns while stressing the need to avoid stigmatising traveller communities. A proposed negotiated‑stopping pilot was abandoned due to a lack of suitable sites, and the council is reviewing its planning strategy alongside regional work to address long‑term needs for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation. Efforts to rebuild trust include reopening the Proctor Street transit site and expanding engagement with partners across policing, housing and education.

Birmingham’s new Liberal Democrat–Green–independent coalition takes control after Labour’s collapse, inheriting the aftermath of a severe financial crisis and a prolonged bins strike. Years of budget deficits, equal pay liabilities and service cuts led to closures of adult day centres and large-scale council asset sales. Residents express frustration over waste accumulations and deteriorating neighbourhood conditions as the industrial dispute with refuse workers continues. Commissioners report improved finances but say substantial further asset sales are still required. New council leaders emphasize restoring cleanliness, compliance and civic optimism, while acknowledging that rebuilding services, negotiating with unions and preventing future crises will take time. Amid major investments such as HS2 and cultural redevelopment, the city faces both significant challenges and opportunities in redefining its trajectory.

A Birmingham cross‑city bus scheme intended to introduce new routes, bus lanes and priority measures has been delayed, with its timeline pushed from 2025/26 to 2027/28 due to dependencies on Transport for West Midlands. A council report notes a £4.2 million slippage, though business cases for two routes have been approved. TfWM says construction is underway in the Black Country and continues to work with the council on approvals for Birmingham sections. The scheme is part of wider efforts led by West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker to franchise the bus network and improve service reliability.

Birmingham City Council approved refurbishment plans for The New Inn pub in Harborne, allowing Joule’s Brewery to proceed with extensions and beer garden improvements intended to support its continued operation. Councillors backed the project, citing the challenges facing the hospitality sector and the importance of preserving well‑used community pubs. Brewery representatives highlighted long‑term investment efforts and strong local support for maintaining the pub’s historic character.

Opposition parties criticised Birmingham City Council’s coalition administration for moving household waste collections from weekly to fortnightly in a pilot across northern wards, arguing residents were promised reliable weekly services. Conservative, Reform UK and Labour leaders accused the administration of continuing Labour’s previous delayed plan and failing to deliver change. Cabinet member Harris Khaliq defended the overhaul as essential to improve recycling, increase capacity and avoid losing government funding, while emphasising responsiveness to feedback and tailored solutions for different communities. The pilot’s results will determine whether the new system is extended citywide before Christmas.

A Birmingham councillor urged the NHS to reconsider proposed changes that would close several urgent treatment centres, including Washwood Heath, raising concerns about longer travel times and worsening health inequalities. NHS Birmingham and Solihull outlined two options involving closures, relocations and new hospital-based UTCs, arguing they aim to improve consistency and address health inequalities rather than reduce costs. NHS representatives said alternative services would remain locally accessible and acknowledged potential increases in travel times. Public consultation showed support for maintaining trusted local services while developing community-based urgent care, with concerns about travel distances and reliance on NHS 111 feeding into the final decision-making process.

Birmingham City Council is introducing major changes to waste collection in selected northern wards, including a shift to fortnightly rubbish pickup, the addition of a second recycling bin and new food waste collections. The council warns residents that bins must be placed correctly and on time or they risk a £60 fine and potential bin removal. The pilot, beginning in early July, will evaluate whether the new system should be expanded citywide. Councillor Harris Khaliq emphasises improving recycling rates, reducing fly-tipping and achieving better value for money, supported by increased CCTV and enforcement efforts.

Birmingham’s new council leadership says restoring suspended garden and bulky waste services remains a long‑term goal while it rolls out a major overhaul of waste collection, including fortnightly general waste pickup, weekly food waste collection and new recycling bins. A pilot begins in the Perry Barr area as recycling collections return in phases. Councillor Harris Khaliq says commitments to reintroduce bulky waste services are expected in later years as part of a broader transformation plan supported by additional clean‑up measures and enforcement investment.