Historic Solihull grade II-listed Red Lion pub set for facelift as planners say yes to Mitchells & Butlers

Mitchells & Butlers Retail Ltd, the company behind brands such as Harvester, Toby Carvery, and Miller and Carter, had applied to Solihull Council for permission to refurb The Red Lion in High Street.

The pub dates back to the 17th century and has been extended and rebuilt at various points over the years.

The planned work includes the refurbishment of the kitchen, mid height drinks area, bar servery area, glass wash, vertical seating area, snug, dining areas, main entrance lobby and toilets.

In a planning statement included with the Solihull Council application, agent JTS Partnership LLP said: “The vast majority (of proposed refurbishment) do not require either planning permission or listed building consent.

“All of the internal, and most of the external, changes impact modern fixtures and fittings and do not impact the historical importance, or significance, of the listed building.

“It (this statement) demonstrates that no harm will be caused to the significance of the building or the conservation area.”

Various parts of the refurb needed the approval of council planners including:

• New fixed seating
• Installation of picket gate to unused entrance
• New parquet timber floor
• Installation of an in-ground ‘jumbrella’ and heaters
• Installation of eight tall posts and festoon lighting around the external seating area
• Repairing spalled brickwork
• Installation of discreet LED asymmetric floodlights under soffits on the rear side elevation

Originally LED floodlights were proposed to be on the front and side but, after an objection was submitted in a public consultation, those plans were scrapped.

Following a site visit in January officers prepared a report recommending approval.

It said: “The proposal will not have a negative impact on visual amenity. The proposal has been assessed by the heritage officer and raises no objection.

“For these reasons, the proposal will not have a harmful impact upon designated heritage assets.”

On April 24 Mark Andrews, head of planning, design and engagement services at the authority, issued a notice granting listed building consent, subject to conditions.

To view the approved plans search for application PL/2025/00107/PPFL at https://publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk/online-applications.