A pub in a Balsall Common could have a five bedroom home built in its grounds.

A planning application has been lodged with planners for the new home on land at Ye Olde Saracens Head.

Applicant Daniel Thwaites is behind the plan to develop 0.6 hectares to the rear of the pub.

A 'permission in principle' application has been submitted – a rule which was brought in to speed-up housebuilding and asks planners if they judge land suitable for development.

A planning statement included in the application says: "The site relates to an area on the western edge of the large village of Balsall Common.

"The site is identified as being located within the green belt. The site is currently in agricultural use.

"The proposed dwelling will be designed to incorporate a range of sustainable and environmentally conscious features.

"The site is considered to be in the open countryside.

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"However the site is not isolated with residential development immediately adjacent to the south and east with the car park of public house to the north."

The applicant says the land is a "sustainable location for residential development" and also argues it is grey belt – green belt land suitable for housing.

"Any conflicts with local plan policy would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefit from the delivery of additional housing with additional housing with regard to the identified shortfall (of housing in the borough)," the applicant adds.

"We therefore request that this application be approved."

The application will be considered by the council's planning department and either dealt with by officers directly or referred to councillors for a public decision.

(Header image by Richard Law via Geograph.org.uk)