At the planning hearing last night 20th February the Planning Committee rejected unanimously the two most recent applications from the Sandstone Group to build on rear gardens in Elmdon Lane. Resident Jim Campbell made an impassioned plea to the committee, as our elected representatives, to listen to the concerns of the overwhelming majority of villagers who oppose these applications. Councillors Sleigh and Ryan presented a compelling case for refusal of both applications, citing –amongst other issues - the noise levels from aircraft at Birmingham Airport. Their evidence was based on facts contained in the airport Masterplan report which state that part of the suggested site in Elmdon Lane will fall into noise band C, and houses should not be built on land which falls into this category, if other land is available. We were delighted that the committee took on board this argument against the development and this was one of the reasons for rejection. There was also concern expressed about the narrow bridges leading into the lane and the extra traffic a new development would generate. The committee were not convinced by the arguments presented by the council and this was a further reason for refusal.

There were over 100 people at the hearing and MGOOD continue to be grateful to the support shown by the villagers, which clearly demonstrates the strength of feeling against these plans.

We arrived at the hearing in a pessimistic mood and so were delighted that the planning committee took the common sense view and rejected both applications. We would love to think this is the end of the matter, but our experience of developers suggests that they will not easily give up and may well appeal against one or both of these rejections. The appeal against the first decision will be heard by the Government Inspector on 22nd April in Shirley and so there could be a total of three appeals. We hope not but we must be prepared.

More news will be posted here when it becomes available.