A former airfield power station could still be turned into a modern five-bedroom home, if planning permission is extended by the council.

Plans to convert the disused building in Fen End were given the green light in 2021 but have not been carried out due to "personal circumstances".

When permission was granted to convert the former wartime power station - which powered the nearby Honiley Airfield - into a house with integral garage, the applicant was only given until May 24 2024 to begin the works.

But with progress yet to get underway, the same plans have once again been put forward to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.

"Although it has been out of use for many years, the power station is structurally sound and, even if it is not maintained, it is evident that it will remain almost indefinitely," the application said. 

"It is approached from Frogmore Lane by the original metalled or concrete road opposite Frogmore Barn and there is [a] substantial area of hardstanding around the building, together with the remains of the other buildings associated with the wartime use."

A CGI image of the proposed new house (image via planning application)

The walls of the building are apparently 13 inches thick, with the roof made of reinforced concrete to withstand a bomb blast.

All that remains of the original machinery is two large oil tanks.

If approved, the plans would use the existing concrete posts internally to "add character to the building".

"The application contains no amendments from that previously approved in 2021 and we are unaware of any subsequent material changes in national or planning policy which would impact upon the current application," the plans added. 

"The application is, however, accompanied by a new Bat Survey report prepared by Midland Ecology which confirms that there are no ecological constraints to the granting of planning permission."

See the full application here.