Plans to convert historic barn into 'attractive' two-bedroom home lodged with Solihull planners
Plans to turn an historic barn in Bentley Heath into a home have been lodged with Solihull Council. Applicant Simon Grove wants to turn the barn, believed to have been constructed in the early to mid-20th century, into a two-bedroom home with office space, a shared kitchen, dining and living space, bathroom and laundry room.
But planning history for the land off Browns Lane showed an attempt to turn stables into a home was refused in the 1980s, while a similar attempt failed in 2022. A planning statement from Stansgate Planning, on behalf of the applicants, said: “The building subject of this application is understood to have originally been built for the purposes of agriculture and used as part of a pig enterprise which historically operated from the site.
"It is understood there may have been some equestrian use of the building, with reference made to the use of the building as stables as part of a 1985 planning application. In recent years there has been no use of the building which currently stands empty.
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“The proposed development would contribute to the borough-wide housing need and would provide an attractive, small two-bedroom home in an accessible location which would enhance local character and distinctiveness.” MEC Consulting Group Ltd carried out an assessment of the barn’s structural condition in December.
Its report, submitted with the application on Solihull Council website, said: “The structure of the main stable barn is in reasonable condition and considered suitable to be converted for residential use. Although large undulations and bulges were observed within the blockwork rear wall of the rear store, it does not appear to be at risk of immediate failure or risk of collapse.”
A consultation is now underway with a closing date for submissions of February 5. To view the plans and submit a comment search for application PL/2024/02962/PPFL at https://publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk/online-applications.