*UPDATE* - 4.2.20 - The original #DigbethDeservesBetter petition was removed by Change.org without explanation after reaching 1000 signatures. Please sign the new petition below to show your support against the Stone Yard development.

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#DIGBETHDESERVESBETTER

Say NO to The Stone Yard development in Digbeth. (Planning Application: 2019/07805/PA)

A planning proposal for a 30-storey tower on Digbeth High Street has been submitted to Birmingham City Council. Whilst we all agree that Digbeth needs developing... Do you want this skyscraper towering over Digbeth? Have your say before it's too late!

In September 2019 a planning proposal was submitted for the former Bullring Trading Estate, now titled 'The Stone Yard'. The plans put forward by city developers Court Collaboration, include a 30-storey tower with a dark-clad exterior. Birmingham’s Big City Plan identifies the Stone Yard site as being within a ‘Zone of restricted height limit’, therefore, a tower of this magnitude is unsuitable in this area. The sheer scale of the proposed tower is unsympathetic to the character of Digbeth and will dwarf, diminish and cast year-round shadows over the Digbeth Conservation Area. The tower will also cast shadows over many of the Grade 2, Grade 2* and Locally Listed Buildings in Digbeth.

The development will include 928 luxury apartments, none of which will be made affordable. The developers are proposing 70 parking spaces for 928 apartments. Although the Stone Yard is within the Clean Air Zone, 70 parking spaces is a gross under calculation of parking requirements. Parking is already a recognised issue within Digbeth and this development will likely intensify the current issue. The development of Stone Yard will also exponentially increase the pressure on public services.

The high volume of residential units within the development poses a significant threat to Digbeth’s night-time economy and local music venues. For many, the bustling and vibrant night-time economy is what draws them to Digbeth. Many of Digbeth's night-life operators are concerned about the inadequate noise reports and poor consultation with the community and have expressed concerns that this could put their longevity at risk. 

Awkwardly, Stone Yard does not follow the line of the High Street, making it less pedestrian-friendly. The proposed buildings are of formulaic architectural design with no particular quality to distinguish them.

Overall, the tower is unsympathetic to the heritage and identity of Digbeth and should be stopped at all costs. Please sign the petition to help save the Digbeth that we know and love. #DigbethDeservesBetter

Birmingham City Council Planning Team please stop and consider the existing Digbeth community, including the neighbouring residents and businesses, and how this development will affect them on a daily basis.

For more information please visit: www.digbethdeservesbetter.co.uk