38 councils to double council tax on second homes
Up to 12,300 second-home owners face a 100% council tax surcharge as 38 more English councils activate new powers from April. See the full list of affected areas.
Up to 12,300 second-home owners face a 100% council tax surcharge as 38 more English councils activate new powers from April. See the full list of affected areas.
Up to 400,000 UK homes may be in the wrong council tax band due to flawed 1991 valuations. Check your band now and challenge it to potentially claim thousands in backdated refunds.
Worcester City Council approves converting a house into a children's care home on Woolhope Road, overriding neighbours' concerns about parking and neighbourhood character.
A look back at the key planning appeals in Solihull for 2025, where residents challenged council refusals. Discover which decisions were overturned by the government inspector.
The story of Birmingham's Golden Eagle pub, a legendary rock and disco venue stripped by patrons in 1984, now a car park. A new student block plan was recently refused. Discover the history.
Rochdale Borough Council has validated a new batch of planning applications, including home extensions, heritage works, and a new bungalow. Discover the latest local development news.
Rochdale Borough Council has issued a wave of planning decisions, approving extensions, new homes, and commercial changes across the borough. Discover the latest developments.
Future Birmingham council leaders elected in 2026 will lack full autonomy, bound by a government-imposed action plan to ensure financial stability. Discover the binding roadmap for recovery.
Government commissioners will oversee Birmingham City Council after the 2026 elections, restricting new leaders' autonomy with a strict action plan. Discover the roadmap for recovery.
Morethan Property Ltd submits fourth planning application for 205 High Street, Brownhills, seeking to demolish a bungalow and build six one-bed apartments. Read the full story.
Solihull councillors will visit the 300-year-old Brickmakers Arms in Balsall Common before deciding the fate of its controversial fence and outdoor bar. Read the latest in the planning saga.
Willenhall locals oppose a council plan for four children's homes on a green space, following an illegal static caravan that 'brought the neighbourhood down'. Read the full story.
A developer has submitted fresh plans for 14 homes on Malvern farmland, months after a scheme for nine properties was rejected by the council and dismissed on appeal. Read the latest details.
Telford & Wrekin Council has refused plans for four affordable bungalows on a former Veolia depot after strong opposition from 19 local households. Read the full story.
A 1,000-page last-minute report has delayed a decision on a 750-flat Manchester skyscraper for a second time. Meanwhile, a controversial Chorlton redevelopment gets the green light.
St Michael's Church in Boldmere wins planning permission for a new car park. The scheme, which involves sensitively relocating gravestones, aims to tackle severe local parking problems. Read the full details.
Birmingham councillors have refused plans for a 263-bed student block near New Street station, citing 'less than substantial' harm to historic buildings like the Town Hall.
A Birmingham Labour councillor has publicly criticised his own government's proposed planning reforms, calling them a 'disaster about to happen' that will trash vital protections.
Birmingham's planning committee has refused a 263-bed student accommodation tower, fearing harm to historic buildings like the Town Hall. Read the full debate.
Planning Inspectorate dismisses appeal for eight apartments in Blackheath, upholding Dudley Council's refusal. The scheme was deemed too dense and a risk to pedestrian safety.
New government planning proposals could see residential gardens used for new homes. Read the full details of the consultation and the political row it has sparked.
Rochdale Borough Council has issued decisions on a range of planning applications, including home extensions, tree removals, and commercial changes. Discover the latest outcomes for properties across the borough.
Solihull Council has refused plans for 80 new homes on green belt land in Hockley Heath, citing unresolved flood risks. Read the full story on the local planning clash.
The Eating Inn Steakhouse in Blackpool has had its latest planning application refused. The council says the extension harms the Promenade's character. Read the full story.
West Midlands Cars in Wednesbury has lost its appeal to continue operating. The council cited severe congestion and safety risks. Read the full timeline and outcome.
From a historic pub facelift to a new fly-tipping crackdown, here's your roundup of the latest news and decisions from Solihull Council this week.
Warwick District Council must repay double council tax charged on second homes after admitting it 'acted outside the law'. A procedural mistake forces a costly U-turn.
A developer makes a third attempt to build a petrol station, shop, and car wash on a site in Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, closed since 2005. Previous bids were rejected over noise and design concerns.
A new AI tool called Objector generates planning objections in minutes, raising fears of an automated 'nimbyism' arms race that could undermine housing development across the UK.
Major European broadcasters boycott Eurovision 2026 after EBU confirms Israel's place. Discover which countries have withdrawn and why. Read the full story.