DIVISIVE Market Hall community pavilion development proposals have been greenlit by Bromsgrove District Council.
A decision on the application – which aims to transform the site into a community and commercial complex including offices, shops, food and beverage venues and an open public space – was made on Monday, February 19.
The proposals were submitted by architecture firm One Creative Environments on behalf of the council and will utilise central government Leveling Up Funding to finance the development.
Despite some clear objections to the proposals decision makers seemed rallied by a speech from Labour councillor Mick Marshall who urged others to ‘take a gamble’ on the development, with limited alternatives available.
“Frankly we’re not being presented with any alternatives, we either use it or lose it.
“Of course there are risks around this but its worth a gamble and I hope for our town centre people will get behind it,” said Coun Marshall.
Prior to Coun Marshall’s speech, a local architect and prominent objector to the proposals – Troy Kidsley – detailed his fears on the height of the development which could impose on existing elevations around town.
He also highlighted his concerns on the choice of copper cladding for the facade, which is likely to degrade and be costly to maintain.
Mr Kidsley said: “I’m generally in favour of the development, but not in its current format. It’s out of character for Bromsgrove because of its height and mass.”
Both councillors and the public have expressed concerns around the lack of parking provision within the ‘car-free’ site and whether the office buildings will be desirable to businesses.
The Highways Authority have made it essential for the developers to implement an employment travel plan and distribute an employment travel welcome pack to reduce vehicle movements and promote sustainable access to the site.
A construction environmental management plan will also be necessary to reduce the impact on nearby roads, traffic, parking and other site facilities during development.
North Worcestershire Water Management have established both small and high flood risks associated with the site as a result of its location with flood zones one and three in relation to Spadesbourne Brook which runs through the development and is proposed to be ‘daylighted’.
Visit https://publicaccess.bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk/online-applications/ and search 23/01121/FUL for more information.
