THE HOUSING developer which saw its application for the former North Worcestershire Golf Course thrown out by Birmingham City Council planners has lodged an appeal against the decision.
Bloor Homes is taking its fight to the Government in a bid to get the the go ahead for the proposal for 950 new homes, a new primary school, a multi-use community centre and 27 acres of public open space.
Residents and Longbridge Councillor Andy Cartwright fought the application for the site which is not in the adopted Birmingham Local Plan and means it is not earmarked for development.
Campaigners argued the area, with Longbridge Town Centre and the redevelopment plan, was already heavily congested and the roads would not be able to cope with the added traffic.
In September the building on the site burnt down following a suspected arson attack and, following the Fire Authority deeming it unsafe, permission was granted to bulldoze it.
A Bloor Homes spokesperson said the company was very disappointed by Birmingham City Council’s decision, especially as more than 330 of the properties would have been ‘affordable’ to meet local needs.
“Bloor Homes is committed to the delivery of a sustainable, mixed use development on the site of the former North Worcestershire Golf Course, which closed in March 2016 and has since been subject to vandalism.”
They confirmed the decision to appeal to the Secretary of State, adding a public inquiry in front of a Government-appointed Planning Inspector would be held later this year.
Residents have until March 13 to have their say on the application and can do so online at https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/planningonline and searching for the application number ‘2017/02724/PA’.
Alternatively residents can write (in triplicate) to Tim Salter (Case Officer), The Planning Inspectorate, Room 30 Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN or email by at [email protected]
To view the planning application visit the Birmingham City Council planning website Application number search 2017/02724/PA
