Here are the biggest local planning stories from the past week.

Student Accomodation Decision

A Coventry student block can be built after the council agreed to grant a new lease for the land. But a plea from the public for councillors to be able to examine the move in more detail and potentially reject it was denied.

Land in Westwood Business Park can be used for student housing as part of a 're-gearing' of the lease, a councillor agreed yesterday (May 13). 

It means offices can be torn down and replaced by the building with 544 student beds.

But more than a dozen residents called for the council to allow the decision to be 'called in' by scrutiny councillors.

Read more here

-------------

Pub's Revamp

A Kenilworth town centre pub has been given the go-ahead to turn its car park into a beer garden and for a series of renovations inside.

The Bear & Ragged Staff revealed in February it wanted to get rid of its nine parking spaces to make way for a new wooden pergola and more outside seating.

In its planning application, brewery and landlord Greene King also asked for permission to renovate the toilets and bar area.

Read the full story here.

-------------

Homes Under the Spotlight

Concerns have been raised about the impact of nearly 1,000 new homes planned for Balsall Common.

Harris Strategic Land and Colchurch Properties has applied for planning permission for the new village neighbourhood on green space between Station Road and Waste Lane.

The scheme - put forward to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council - would introduce a local centre including a care home/retirement accommodation, community buildings, a primary school and a pre-school.

Read more here.

Like this article? Why not subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here.