Burnham confirms high street shop rule change from 2027
From 2027, vape shops in England and Wales will need planning permission, and councils gain powers to block betting shops and adult gaming centres, as confirmed by Andy Burnham's government.
Category : Housing Issues
Birmingham B&B Plans at Historic Green Set for Approval
Birmingham Council recommends approval for a nine-room B&B at The Green in Kings Norton despite MP Laurence Turner's parking concerns, citing positive visitor economy impact.
Chelmsley Wood Project Delayed Again
Chelmsley Wood town centre transformation faces another delay, with a 36-month extension requested due to land assembly issues. The project, backed by £3.434m WMCA funding, aims to revitalise the area with new leisure amenities.
Landlords Told to Focus on Five Repair Priorities as Rules Tighten
Landlords must focus on five repair priorities as maintenance rules tighten, with new guidelines from the government aiming to improve housing standards and reduce hazards.
Smethwick Flats Rat Infestation Linked to Nappies
A Smethwick resident says fly-tipped nappies in a tree at Cygnet Court have attracted rats and mice, with a mouse entering her flat. Complaints to management have been ignored despite £177 monthly fees.
Aldridge Children's Home Refused Over Parking Concerns
Walsall Council refused a children's home on Station Road, Aldridge, citing insufficient parking and no agreement to use the Red Lion's car park.
Homeless family in mouse-infested West Bromwich home
A homeless family with a newborn in West Bromwich faces mice, flies, and noise in temporary housing, prompting GP and council concerns.
Konsa Could Be Tempted by Arsenal, Agbonlahor
Gabby Agbonlahor warns Aston Villa risk losing Ezri Konsa to Arsenal, citing England World Cup form and wage demands, with a potential £70-80m fee at stake.
Affordable flats plan for ex-Royal British Legion site in Balsall Common
Plans for 28 entirely affordable flats on the former Royal British Legion site in Balsall Common have been submitted to Solihull Council, with a consultation open until August 26.
Asda and Morrisons Pasta Recalled Over Listeria Fears
Urgent 'do not eat' warning as Asda and Morrisons pasta salads recalled due to possible Listeria contamination. Full refunds offered.
Swansea Council to Acquire 141 Homes in Landmark Deal
Swansea Council has agreed to acquire 141 affordable homes from Persimmon Homes, marking the first time it will take ownership of the affordable housing element under a section 106 agreement.
Villa Players Fear Konsa Exit as Arsenal Push for Defender
Aston Villa squad members are growing resigned to Ezri Konsa's departure this summer, with Arsenal keen to sign the England defender as cover for the injured William Saliba.
Rowley Regis Fire Destroys Family Home, £3.8k Raised
A family escaped a 'large scale' Rowley Regis blaze with only their clothes; over £3,800 raised to help them rebuild their lives from scratch.
Former coffin factory could become children's play area
Dudley Council planners will decide on converting a former coffin warehouse in Halesowen into a soft play area for up to eight children, creating three jobs.
72 Solihull Green Belt Sites Named as Potential Grey Belt
Solihull Council has identified 72 green belt sites as potential grey belt, but not all will be developed. Decisions will be made via the local plan process.
Birmingham Back to School Budgeting Tips for 2026
Midland Heart shares practical budgeting advice for Birmingham parents as new school year approaches, including uniform policy changes, second-hand options, travel support, and childcare help.
McDonald's drive-thru decision delayed over traffic concerns
Sandwell Council delays decision on McDonald's drive-thru in Cradley Heath after 54 objections and petitions with 750 signatures cite traffic 'chaos' on rat runs.
COPD Patients Missing Out on Vital Financial Support
Thousands with COPD could claim up to £114.60 weekly via PIP or Attendance Allowance; DWP success rate for respiratory claims is 65%.
Family moved from unsuitable housing over dangerous stairs
A homeless family with a baby will be moved after Birmingham City Council found their temporary flat unsuitable due to dangerous stairs and other issues.
Davies to hold talks with Buchanan amid transfer interest
Blues boss Chris Davies will discuss Lee Buchanan's future after interest from Luton, with Lund and Cochrane ahead in left-back pecking order.
Neighbour Noise Laws: When Loud Music Becomes a Legal Issue
No national curfew for neighbour noise; it's a statutory nuisance only if unreasonable. Councils issue abatement notices and fines. Here's how to complain.
Perfect rent record not enough for mortgage, expert warns
A tenant with six years of flawless rent payments could still be refused a mortgage because lenders rely on payslips, says property expert Patricia Ogunfeibo.
Landlord Insurance Discounts with Tenant Damage Cover
Landlords can cut insurance costs by adding tenant damage cover. This guide explains the cover, policy options, and how to qualify for a discount.
Plans for 95 net zero homes at Edgbaston Reservoir submitted
Plans for 95 net-zero homes on the former Tower Ballroom site at Edgbaston Reservoir target homeless families, with nearly 8,000 on waiting lists.
Mum, 18, reveals dangerous temporary housing in Birmingham
An 18-year-old Birmingham mum living in temporary housing with her baby and partner says the new flat has dangerous stairs, mould and a fly infestation despite being moved from a hotel with cockroaches.
Claimants Risk £150 Loss if They Miss August 23 Deadline
Universal Credit, ESA, and Pension Credit claimants must ensure their energy bill name matches by August 23 or lose a potential £150 Warm Home Discount.
Birmingham's exempt homeless hostels triple, probe finds
More than 33,900 people now live in 12,166 exempt supported housing properties in Birmingham, triple pre-Covid levels, raising crime and disruption concerns.
Mum gets own room in new Wolverhampton council house
Lucy Whetton moved into a newly built three-bedroom council house in Penn, Wolverhampton, ending her need to share a bedroom with her daughter.
Reform UK accused over Sandwell sanctuary status
Sandwell Council's Reform administration votes to scrap Borough of Sanctuary status, citing housing pressures. Opponents call it 'calculated nastiness' and say it will not ease the housing crisis.
Gang Threatens to Stab Teen in Sutton Park Bike Theft
A 14-year-old boy was threatened with a knife by a gang on motorbikes in Streetly Playing Fields, Sutton Coldfield, who stole his bike, the second time he has been targeted.
Page 6 of 58