An office building in a local village now looks set to be demolished and turned into new homes.

The plan to demolish the Greswolde House building in Station Road, Knowle, for the new homes will go before Solihull Council's planning committee this week.

The proposal was originally lodged by applicant Tom Callinan, of contractors Key Construction, in December last year.

The current site is home to six office spaces including a boardroom, with six parking spaces for staff.

An application form says the site would become seven, three bedroom homes which would all go on the market if approval is given.

In a public consultation held in the summer, 13 objections were submitted including one from Knowle ward councillor Edward Fitter.

Cllr Fitter's argued, if given the green light, it would be a loss of a business site in Knowle.

He added there are already plans for a large housing site in the village so there is no need for housing at the proposed location.

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But the authority's planning officers recommend the scheme is approved, subject to conditions.

In a report for the committee they write: "The application site has been in commercial business use for many years.

"There is a planning history that goes back to 1960 when it is referred to as existing office accommodation.

"It is clearly demonstrated there is no longer a need to retain the site/premises for their intended business class purpose.

"Significant weight should be given to the economic, environmental and social benefits of the new homes.

"The proposed development would benefit from presumption in favour of sustainable development and overall planning balance must be in favour for this proposal.

"In coming to this recommendation your officers have taken into consideration all of the representations made."

The planning committee meeting, which is open to the public, is being held at the Civic Suite from 6pm on Wednesday, September 17.

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