Plans to convert an old coach house annexed from a country home into its own dwelling in Solihull have been approved.

The building, formerly a coach house for the neighbouring Yew Tree House on Baulk lane, Berkswell, would have its own drive and entrance.

The new entrance on Baulk Lane had some locals concerned it would damage the scenic countryside along the road.

The coach house was converted some years ago and no extensions to the house were suggested, only the official recognition as its own home.

Concerns began with a local councillor who did not want there to be three separate drives and entrances along the short section of Baulk Lane. Cllr Andrew Burrow said he felt the new entrance would 'erode the character' of the lane.

At a Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council planning meeting last week he said: "This may seem to be quite a trivial matter. But Baulk Lane is very special in Berkswell parish. 

"You'll be aware that HS2 has wrought very considerable destruction on the landscape in Berkswell and the Meriden ward in general. What you might not know is that it has severed many of the public footpaths including the Millenium Way, one of England's great long-distance footpaths."

Cllr Burrow said that although the route has been cut, HS2 has almost completed a connecting passageway via Baulk Lane. He added that the road is set to become a 'quiet lane', meaning through traffic is banned, and therefore worried that three entrances would 'suburbanise the ruralty'.

Richard Cobb, a town planner acting on behalf of the owner of Yew Tree House, told members the extra drive was 'necessary and sensible' once the two houses become officially separated. He added the amount of extra traffic generated by the new drive would be 'minimal'.

Officers agreed with Mr Cobb, saying they felt the rural character of the lane would be retained and therefore recommended the scheme for approval. Members voted in favour of the plans and the owner of Yew Tree House won permission to begin the work.