New cafe plan in Castle Brom gets the go ahead

AN EMPTY shop in Castle Bromwich is set to reopen as a cafe/restaurant after plans were given the nod by councillors.
Solihull's planning committee last week approved a change of use to the vacant premises at 15 Green Lane.
Earlier this year an application had been submitted to allow the former hydroponics store, just down the road from The Farthings pub, to reopen as an eatery.
Although there were several objections from local residents, who feared there wasn't enough parking on the small shopping parade and that the outlet would add to noise and litter.
Planning officers were satisfied that there were enough spaces to meet the needs of customers and pointed out that no changes would need to be made to the outside of the shop.
Coun Maggie Allen (Green, Shirley West) said she had "no hesitation" in supporting the scheme.
"I think to change the use of this shop would be much better than to leave it empty."
The plans received unanimous approval at the meeting last Wednesday (August 7).