I received a letter from Birmingham City Council Planning & Development this week and can report that their decision on the outcome of their review process is that the outline application to erect twelve apartments on land at Ridgacre Road West, Quinton, has been refused.
The decision statements are available in full on the planning portal:
Application number: 2022/09287/PA
Summarising the main issues that has resulted in a 'refuse' outcome:
- The various reports and documents submitted by the applicant insufficiently demonstrated that the design and layout of the site could provide an acceptable environment, living conditions and quality of life given the close proximity of the adjacent M5 and the associated noise disturbance.
- The site contains a National Grid pylon and there were concerns the the siting of the apartment buildings and car parking area had the potential to limit access to the pylon for future maintenance.
- The application had not demonstrated that the design provided an acceptable internal or external environment in terms of air quality, due to the close proximity of the M5.
The Council also acknowledged that significant local concern had been raised regarding increased traffic and further strain put on local roadside parking, due to the loss of a portion of the adjoining layby. However, the various reports submitted by the applicant around traffic flow and parking would have satisfied the planning requirements. I think that many of us would refute this point, as road parking still continues to be difficult, to say the least!
It ought to be noted that in the case of a refusal the applicant has the right to appeal to the Secretary of State for the Department of Levelling Up, Housing Communities, against the decision of the Local Planning Authority - so we may need to, 'watch this space'.
For the moment at least, I believe that the issues leading to the current refusal were ones at the heart of the petition - and whilst everyone acknowledges our desperate need for more affordable housing - this should never be at the cost of the quality of life, or health, of prospective residents; more home-building doesn't have to mean poor building.
Thanks once again to everyone that signed this petition!