Hello Solihull 👋

June is here and this week's edition has a bit of everything.

There's a significant local planning story: 99 new homes approved in Hockley Heath despite opposition, and it's one of several greenbelt decisions working their way through the borough right now that we think you should know about.

There's a new food find that we're excited to share, a Friday night soul event, family activities, live music and a few local sport picks as the cricket season hits its stride and big events coming up in the tennis and football worlds.

And there's something else too… We're closing in fast on 2,000 subscribers, which, given we started from zero just a few months ago, feels like a proper milestone. We've got something to celebrate it with, and we'll be sharing that very soon! 👀

Right, let's get into it.

— Max

A new housing estate in Hockley Heath has been given the green light, despite strong local opposition. The plans are for up to 99 new homes on land south of School Road, with the outline application covering the homes, site access, infrastructure and open space.

Supporters of the new development may point to the need for more homes and the importance of bringing forward housing in places where people want to live. But many residents will be worried about the impact on village character, local roads, schools, GP access and the continued pressure on green belt land.

It’s the kind of story that will feel familiar to many people across the borough: Solihull needs more homes, but where do they go and what do they mean for the communities already there still remains one of the biggest local questions.

Elizabeth in Hobs Meadow messaged in and it’s exactly the local note we love receiving. One of her favourite parts of the year is seeing the daffodils bobbing their heads. For Elizabeth, that little spring moment means one thing: lovely local walks with her cocker-poo Nelly and Shihpoo Jessie.

It’s such a simple image, but a very Solihull one, a favourite view, a familiar green space, two happy dogs and that feeling of knowing your own little patch of the borough.

Sometimes community isn’t just big events or grand gestures. Sometimes it’s the walk you do every week, the flowers you wait for each year, and your regular spots that quietly makes you smile.

Rob in Shirley, reminded us how much there is to enjoy right on our doorstep. Rob told us he loves the shopping and places to eat in and around Shirley — and it’s easy to see why.

From cafés and restaurants to everyday shops, local businesses and familiar high street favourites, Shirley is one of those places where you can still pop out for one thing and end up making a proper little trip of it.

There’s something lovely about having a local area that feels useful, lively and familiar all at once. Somewhere you can grab lunch, meet a friend, browse a few shops or just enjoy the rhythm of a busy local high street.

One for a treat-yourself afternoon. We recently took my mother-in-law to Sky by the Water at Resorts World for her birthday, and it was a real winner. It feels that little bit more special, with afternoon tea served in a lovely setting overlooking the lake.

Think sandwiches, scones, sweet treats and a proper catch-up atmosphere, the kind of place that works nicely for birthdays, mum-and-daughter afternoons, or one of those “shall we do something lovely?” weekends.

They offer traditional, vegan and gluten-free afternoon tea options, with advance booking required. Available 7 days a week from £19.95 pp.

👉 Afternoon tea at Sky by the Water, Resorts World

A proper local curry house shout-out for Marston Green.

We tried Simla recently, and honestly the onion bhajis were some of the best we’ve ever had! Crisp, golden, properly moreish, and exactly the kind of side that disappears from the table far too quickly.

It’s a great little neighbourhood spot whether you’re sitting in for a relaxed meal or ordering a takeaway for the weekend. The menu has all the familiar curry-house favourites, from baltis and jalfrezis to tikka masala, madras and plenty of milder options too.

It’s also BYOB for alcoholic drinks, which makes it a very handy one for a casual curry night without the big bill.

👉 Simla - Marston Green

A fun foodie one for families who fancy learning something new together. Yakinori’s sushi-making classes give kids and adults the chance to roll their own sushi with help from the chefs, with a soft drink included along the way. Sessions are running at Yakinori Solihull this summer, with tickets currently listed at £25pp.

👉 Family Sushi Classes at Yakinori

A musical family day out with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Dance Across America takes place on Sunday 7 June at 3pm, taking families on a lively musical road trip through the Americas, with tangos, line dances, waltzes and chances to join in. Suitable for children aged 6+, with free craft activities before the concert. Tickets from £12.

👉 CBSO Family Concert at Birmingham Town Hall

A free family festival in St Nicholas Park, Warwick, running across Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June. Expect a weekend of live music, food, drinks, workshops, demonstrations and activities covering history, literature, music, dance, theatre, art, sport and wellbeing. A good fresh-air day out if you fancy heading slightly beyond Solihull. Free to attend.

👉 Warwick Pursuits Festival

Cricket season is here and Solihull Blossomfield are back in action at The Wardens. Their 1st XI have a home game against Olton & West Warwicks 1sts on Saturday 6 June at 12 noon, which feels like a lovely low-key local sport pick if the weather behaves. Wander down, watch a bit of cricket and enjoy a slower Saturday afternoon.

👉 Solihull Blossomfield Cricket Club

A friendly local running club for women who want to start, restart or build confidence with running. This Girl Runs Solihull is aimed at beginners and improvers, with lots of members starting from scratch and a big focus on community rather than competition. A gentle nudge if June has given you that “maybe I should get moving” feeling.

👉 Reach out to Taz at This Girl Runs Solihull

A Friday night with proper old-school soul by the lake. Sweet Soul Sensation brings 70s and 80s soul to The Lake at Barston on Friday 5 June at 7pm, with tracks inspired by the likes of Luther Vandross, George Benson, Lionel Richie, The Jackson 5, Earth, Wind & Fire and more. Dinner, entertainment, disco and lake views — not a bad way to start the weekend. Tickets from £29.95 and that includes a 3 course meal.

👉 Sweet Soul Sensation at The Lake at Barston

Mind games, showmanship and a few “how on earth did he do that?” moments. Derren Brown brings his new live show Only Human to Birmingham Hippodrome from Thursday 4 June until Saturday 13 June. Tickets from £28.

👉 Derren Brown at Birmingham Hippodrome

A proper Birmingham music pick. The Streets play O2 Academy Birmingham on Saturday 6 June, with JayKae also listed on the bill. A big hometown-ish night for fans of Mike Skinner, UK garage, rap and Birmingham energy. Tickets from £53.10.

👉 The Streets at O2 Academy Birmingham

• Bin collections: https://digital.solihull.gov.uk/BinCollectionCalendar/
• Council news + updates: https://www.solihull.gov.uk/news
• Travel disruptions (West Midlands): https://disruptions.tfwm.org.uk/

Thanks for reading Solihull Spotlight 💙 let’s chat again on Sunday! Hit reply and tell me what you want more of next week: family, events, food, deals, walking routes, live music, sport, or hidden gems.

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