Friends of the Earth Birmingham Action Briefing Apr/May 98

Planning Applications

Eagle eyed Martin Mullaney regularly pours over planning applications to the City Council. Recently he saw an application from Moseley Golf Club to develop some of their land into a practice academy (C0382/98). On closer examination he realised that this area of land was in fact a very popular allotment garden. Conversations with the allotment holders took place, petitions are being signed and meetings arranged. Indeed over 100 people turned up to the latest meeting. The council indicated that they were in support of the allotment holders while the representative of the golf club was given short shrift. The main problem is that the golf club own the land and as landlords want their tenants off. The current lease of the land to the City Council lasts until 2001 so the stall has been set for a long campaign.

Another recent application (C/03716/97 ful) to Birmingham City Council is for a helipad in the Tyseley area of the City. This seems to be one persons way of avoiding the congestion on the City's streets. How it fits into a sustainable transport plan is highly questionable. Not only will the helipad cause noise disturbance for local people but in planning to use the Cole Valley as a flight path will disturb one of the City's green wedges and wildlife corridors.

If you are particularly opposed to either of the above applications please write to Birmingham City Council, Planning Dept c/o Baskerville House, Birmingham. B1 2NA

Beverly Cumblidge