Alexander Brock

Birmingham City Council has reaffirmed that 20mph limits will become standard on local B and C roads and unclassified roads under its long-term Local Plan, while A roads are excluded. The policy is part of a gradual rollout linked to the Birmingham Transport Plan and follows the city’s declaration of a road safety emergency. Supporters argue that lower speeds will reduce fatal and serious collisions, improve air quality and make residential areas safer, while critics have described wider 20mph proposals as unfair to motorists. Further extensions would require consultation, and the council has already reduced limits from 40mph to 30mph on 27 roads.

Birmingham City Council’s planning committee refused an application to convert a café at The Green in Kings Norton into a nine-room bed and breakfast with café facilities. Residents and councillors raised concerns about parking congestion, disruption, residential amenity and the possibility that the premises could later become an HMO or temporary accommodation. Although council officers considered the proposed short-stay, managed use broadly suitable and said parking impacts would be limited, the committee rejected the plans on highways and residential-amenity grounds.

Birmingham’s planning committee approved a 20-metre 4G and 5G mast opposite 101 Walsall Road in Sutton Four Oaks despite objections from Sutton Town Council, residents and councillors concerned about its visual impact near homes and a public footpath. The council said the site was the least harmful of 40 alternatives and that improved digital coverage and economic benefits outweighed limited visual harm. Existing trees and other street structures were cited as reducing the mast’s impact on nearby properties.

Birmingham City Council has approved the proposed lease of the former Spring Hill Library, which closed in 2022 because of a heating problem and was later earmarked for disposal. A community interest company plans to use the Grade II-listed Victorian building for education, training, employment support, community programmes and a warm space, while seeking to restore some library services in partnership with Birmingham Library Services. The lease is expected to generate rent, remove ongoing holding costs and support the council’s financial recovery, while councillors have urged that essential repairs and protection of the historic building are carried out.

Plans for 165 homes—75 townhouses and 90 apartments—at the former Clarendon Suites site in Edgbaston, Birmingham, have been approved. The events venue and former Masonic lodge, designed by architect John Madin, was demolished after a fire in 2019. Birmingham’s planning committee supported the scheme, citing the redevelopment of a long-vacant brownfield site, family housing, green space, construction jobs, biodiversity improvements and a contribution to affordable housing.

Birmingham City Council is moving to add the historic Electric Cinema, the UK's oldest working cinema until its closure in 2024, to the city's Local Heritage List alongside four other sites. The designation recognises the building's architectural, historical and communal importance and makes its heritage significance a material consideration in planning decisions, but the council says it provides no specific protection against redevelopment or loss. Campaigners and West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker remain concerned about the cinema's future and the building's condition. Developer Glenbrook has previously proposed combining the cinema's revival with a built-to-rent tower and a wider cultural route around Station Street.

Plans for a 20-metre 4G and 5G telecommunications mast opposite 101 Walsall Road in Sutton Four Oaks have drawn 25 public objections, as well as opposition from Sutton Town Council and Conservative councillor Raaj Shamji, largely because of concerns about its visual impact. Birmingham City Council officers concluded that the mast would have a moderate effect on visual amenity but would be partly screened by mature trees and would not significantly harm nearby homes. After reviewing 40 alternative locations, the applicant identified the site as the least harmful option while providing effective coverage. Officers recommended that no prior approval be required, with the proposal due to be considered by Birmingham Council’s planning committee on August 13.

Birmingham planning officers have recommended approval for a major redevelopment of Fortis Academy in Great Barr under the Department for Education’s School Rebuilding Programme. Most existing buildings would be demolished and replaced with new teaching, dining, sports and performing arts facilities, alongside improved outdoor areas, parking and access. The council says the scheme would provide significant educational and community benefits and would not adversely affect nearby residents or the highway network. The project would be delivered in six phases, with the completed school expected to open in the 2030 academic year. Birmingham’s planning committee is due to consider the plans on August 13.

Birmingham City Council has proposed designating a small western section of the Wheels Park site as a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation because it contains locally uncommon plant species and valuable grassland. Reform opposition leader Jex Parkin questioned whether the designation could reduce the development area or delay Birmingham City FC’s planned Sports Quarter, which includes a new stadium, training facilities, transport links, an arena and mixed-use development. Council representatives said the designation would not prevent construction but would require the project to account for the habitat and provide appropriate mitigation and compensation. Officials also confirmed they are working with the football club and its advisers. The Sports Quarter is being positioned as a key component of wider East Birmingham regeneration, potentially supported by a proposed Mayoral Development Corporation, while the council approved 14 new conservation sites and extensions to six existing ones.

Part of the 48-acre Wheels Park site in east Birmingham, earmarked for Birmingham City FC’s proposed Powerhouse stadium and wider Sports Quarter, is being proposed as a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation. Surveys found unimproved grassland, orchids, woodland and scrub linked to railway and canal habitat corridors. Birmingham City Council says the designation will protect biodiversity while allowing redevelopment to proceed with mitigation and green-infrastructure measures. The draft Local Plan identifies the stadium and wider Sports Quarter as catalysts for brownfield regeneration, while a new East Birmingham Mayoral Development Corporation is intended to accelerate investment and infrastructure delivery.

Birmingham City Council’s draft Local Plan sets out a 20-year vision to transform the Witton and Aston area around Villa Park into a world-class cultural and leisure destination. Proposals include supporting Aston Villa’s investment and stadium expansion, protecting Aston Hall and Aston Park, building homes on underused industrial land, improving Witton’s local centre and public transport, redeveloping Witton railway station, and addressing matchday congestion through pedestrian-priority measures and road changes. The plan also identifies Villa Park as a Growth Zone because of its economic importance to the surrounding area. Cabinet members are due to discuss the draft on 28 July 2026.

Refugees in Birmingham voiced fear and sadness after Reform councillors sought to end the city’s City of Sanctuary status, citing pressure on services and finances. The proposal drew strong opposition from Labour, Green, and Independent councillors, who argued the city should continue welcoming vulnerable people and that funding for asylum support is ringfenced. Refugees described worsening attitudes, attributing them partly to divisive politics, and stressed the importance of inclusivity and compassion. The motion was ultimately defeated, preserving Birmingham’s sanctuary status.

Birmingham’s new waste collection pilot has faced criticism over errors and a lack of consultation as household rubbish collections move from weekly to fortnightly, with new recycling and food waste services introduced. Councillor Harris Khaliq apologised for problems reported during the rollout, saying the pilot is intended to identify issues before wider implementation, while council officials noted the scale and complexity of the changes. Critics highlighted incorrect information sent to residents and operational problems, prompting assurances that adjustments will continue throughout the pilot to improve service quality and protect future government funding.

Birmingham City Council approved the sale of the Mole Street Depot in Sparkbrook to a local charitable trust planning a major mosque and community complex. The decision supports the council’s asset‑sale programme designed to address financial deficits following its effective bankruptcy declaration in 2023. Officials expressed confidence in the trust’s redevelopment plans, while councillors sought assurances about safeguards if the wider scheme stalls. The sale is expected to generate capital for the city’s recovery plan, with the building to close by September 2026. Government commissioners noted progress on asset disposals but warned that the full programme, projected to raise £750 million, may not be completed before 2028.

Six Birmingham schools are set to receive new road safety upgrades under the Safer School Journeys programme, funded by the Clean Air Zone and aligned with the city’s Vision Zero commitment. Measures include junction narrowing, raised crossings, pedestrian refuge islands, new traffic restrictions, and relocated bus stops to reduce road harm and encourage walking and cycling. The initiative supports the broader Kids Streets vision backed by West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, with public consultation open until July 24.

Birmingham City Council plans security upgrades across 32 parks after reporting 41 unauthorised encampments between April and June, costing more than £130,000 in enforcement and cleanup efforts. Officials say strengthened boundaries and access controls aim to reduce future encampments while meeting legal obligations. A proposed negotiated stopping pilot has been abandoned due to a lack of suitable sites, though wider planning for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation is under review. Council leaders emphasise balancing enforcement with community engagement and improving trust with GRT communities.

Government commissioners warn that major risks in Birmingham’s key regeneration schemes, particularly Smithfield and Paradise, pose the city council’s biggest current challenge. External auditors report significant cost increases and financial liabilities linked to both developments, highlighting historic failures in capacity, commercial skills and risk management. The council is working with West Midlands mayor Richard Parker to establish a mayoral development corporation aimed at improving delivery and investor confidence. While auditors note recent improvements in governance and risk management, commissioners stress the need for clearer strategy, stronger capability and better coordination. The council maintains that the Paradise project remains economically valuable, with thousands of jobs created and major investment expected, while Lendlease says Smithfield will bring substantial long‑term benefits.

Reform UK Birmingham announced a shadow cabinet to provide structured opposition to the new coalition leading Birmingham City Council, arguing residents continue to face disruptions and financial pressures. Leader Jex Parkin called for clearer priorities and accountability from the administration, while coalition leaders from the Liberal Democrats and Greens pledged to address urgent issues such as the ongoing bin strike and to deliver stable, cooperative governance. Tensions remain between the coalition and Reform, with national Liberal Democrat leadership reiterating its refusal to work with the party.

Birmingham City Council is implementing a pilot scheme in northern wards that changes waste collections from weekly to fortnightly, introduces a second recycling bin, and adds food waste collection. Residents must follow strict rules on bin placement and timing or risk a £60 fine and potential bin removal. Councillor Harris Khaliq states the initiative aims to increase recycling, improve cleanliness, and secure government funding, with enforcement measures including additional CCTV and officers. Effectiveness will be assessed before potential citywide rollout.