A BID to turn historic farm buildings into a pub is set to be rejected by planning officials for the second time.
Officers at Solihull Council have recommended that councillors refuse plans to turn Tidbury Green Farm into a pub and restaurant.
An extension to the farmhouse, near Earlswood, is seen by officers to be ‘a disproportionate addition to the property’.
They are also opposed to a new pub in the green-belt, which they said would be ‘harmful to the openness and rural character of the area.’
National watchdog Historic England and the council’s heritage officers also objected because of the ‘substantial harm’ caused to the 17th century farmhouse.
As the Observer reported in September, Solihull Council’s planning committee rejected the proposals, on the same grounds, but applicants Brunning and Price submitted revised plans with a smaller extension.
Planning officers also criticised the design of the renovations, describing roof shapes as ‘not in the vernacular building tradition’, and opposing the removal of an interior wall and chimney stack.
The farmhouses are Grade II listed with Historic England.
Tidbury Green Parish Council also opposed the development, after it ran a straw poll of 77 residents – 33 (43 per cent) were in favour, 44 (57 per cent) were against.
