The owners of a grade II listed country house in a local village want to turn it into a venue hosting various events including weddings.

Knowle Hall on Kenilworth Road dates back to the 1820s and is currently used as a private residence.

A planning statement, included in the application submitted to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, says the change is needed for the ongoing conservation of the building after owners the Ellis family made a "significant investment" in excess of £1 million to restore the hall in the past decade.

The statement says: "The proposal seeks to allow the hall to host weddings, corporate events, workshops, and limited film and photographic activities on an occasional basis.

"The use will be carefully managed with up to 25 larger events per year (10 corporate events and 15 weddings, each with a maximum of 120 guests on site) and up to 40 smaller events accommodating no more than 20 guests."

The applicant says the benefits of the event would be creating business opportunities for local suppliers such as florists and caterers; a boost for hotels locally providing overnight accommodation for those attending and the hall being enjoyed by a wider audience.

"Knowle Hall is a heritage asset of considerable architectural and historic significance," the applicants say.

"The proposed change of use has been carefully designed to be reversible and preserve the building's special interest while providing a viable and sustainable means of securing its long-term conservation.

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"The owners regard the hall as their life's work and have demonstrated a strong commitment to its restoration and care.

"The proposed use will allow the building to continue its journey of conservation, enabling it to be properly maintained and appreciated, while ensuring it remains active, cared for, and financially sustainable."

Although the building of the hall dates back to the 1820s it was left unfinished until around 1860.

The hall was substantially rebuilt in the mid-19th century by Robert Emilius Wilson, forming the basis of the present building, and later passed to the Everitt family who occupied the hall until 1982.

Archaeological investigations have identified remains of earlier halls on the site including evidence of a moated structure dating to around 1194.