martin mullaney

2012-01-23T11:55:00.001Z

Appeal for pre-1980 close-up photos of the South African War Memorial in Cannon Hill

I’m wondering if any residents have pre-1980 photographs of themselves standing next to the South African War memorial in Cannon Hill Park, showing the bronze corner pieces that were there until the 1980s. We are trying to get close-up photos of these bronze corner pieces so that we can reinstate replicas of them, as part of the restoration of this memorial.

Readers may be aware that work is about to commence work on restoring this 1906 South African War Memorial in Cannon Hill Park. More details can be seen at my blog entry on http://martinmullaney.blogspot.com/2012/01/work-begins-on-restoration-of-south.html

As was mentioned in that blog entry, several bits of the memorial have been stolen by metal thieves. These were: the four eagles at the corners of the granite plinth; the olive branch held by the allegorical figure called Peace; the rifles and bayonets on the backs of the two solders.

For this restoration we will be making a replica of the olive branch. Subject to funding we would also like to make plastic copies, coated in bronze, of the other missing items.

Since my last blog entry, we have managed to find one of the two original bronze cast rifles. A member of the Parks Service saw the blog entry and had the item in their store room. The circumstances of how it got there we do not know. A photo of myself holding the bronze cast rifle is attached.

Also, a local resident has sent me a photo of themselves standing next to the monument in the 1970s. This is now the closest photograph we have of the bronze corner pieces that have gone missing – see attached photo. Previously, we assumed these corner figures were eagles, however from this photo they look more like a wreath with an S-shaped ribbon threaded through it.

If we can get some more similar photographs showing these corner pieces, from different angles, we’ll be able to make replicas.

So if you could check your old photo albums and spread the word to friends, this would be greatly appreciated.

2012-01-22T17:32:00.005Z

work begins on £170,000 investment in Highbury Park

Work begins tomorrow (Monday 23^rd January) on a £170,000 investment in repairing the infrastructure and historic features of Highbury Park. The money is coming from the Council’s own capital programme, into which I bid for these works last Summer.

All work will be completed by the end of March.

The work will include the following:

1) Restoration of the historic Joseph Chamberlain platform. This feature was part of the ornate gardens of Highbury Hall, which occupied the land between the main pond and Yew Tree Road. These gardens were created between 1890 and 1914 by Joseph Chamberlain and contained many features such as an Italian Garden, a Dutch Garden, an Elizabethan Garden, a sundial on a raised platform overlooking the Tea Gardens. Many of these features still exist, but have been allowed to fall into disrepair since the early 1980s.

The Viewing Platform itself was created in 1890 and it was from this vantage point that Joseph Chamberlain was able to view his ornate gardens of Highbury Hall, looking down to the main pond that still exists today.

Last August, the platform was completely destroyed by vandals. However, a friend and I, using two wheelbarrows, were able to rescue most of the damaged stonework and hide it elsewhere in the park. This stop the ornate stonework being damaged any further.

I attach two photos showing the Viewing Platform both before and after the vandalism.

This Viewing Platform will be restored to its former glory, with new stones carved to replace any that are beyond saving. There will also be some repair work to the rocky outcrop that the platform rests on, including careful removal of any self seeding trees that are growing in-between the layers of rocks.

2) Repair of numerous footpaths. This will include the driveway from Shutlock Lane to the main car park. This has several large potholes, where the foundations are completely wrecked. The car park will also be relevelled.

Paths around the Oak Tree pond will also be repaired. The Oak Tree pond is a small pond, again part of the original Highbury Hall estate, immediately north of the Italian Gardens. The pond is almost completely silted up and hidden from view by overgrown rhododendrons. It is named after the 200 year old oak tree that grew beside it and whose dead trunk can still be seen today.

3) Repair to the footbridge at the Moor Green Lane end of the main pond. This footbridge is really nothing more than a 1960s concrete, covered with soil. I attach photos showing it. As you will see, the soil around the bridge has been significantly eroded by the stream and foot traffic and now starting to expose the foundations of the footbridge. Our intention is to rebuild the soil up and get back it back to how it probably looked in the 1930s.

4) Careful trimming back of over grown bushes and trees on the land between the main pond and Chamberlain House. Our objective for doing this is three fold:

a) Cut back several bushes and remove several self seeding sycamores that are adversely affecting the bees in the bee keeper’s area. The bee keeper’s area is on the site of the Highbury Hall Tea Gardens.

b) Recreate the view from the Viewing Platform down to main pond. In Joseph Chamberlain’s time, the Viewing Platform was easily viewable from the main pond. This vista has long vanished and we hope to recreate it by careful trimming. We also hope this will prevent any further damage to the Viewing Platform.

c) Trim back all laurel bushes in the area between the Viewing Platform and Chamberlain House. We still have a problem with indecent behaviour taking place in this area during the afternoon. There has been a joint Police and Council effort to reduce this activity since the Summer. The activity normally takes place between 11am and 2pm every day. As a result of this joint working, several individuals are about to be served with ASBOs banning them from both Highbury Park and Cannon Hill Park. We hope to significantly reduce this activity by at last trimming back all the laurel bushes under which it all takes place.

2012-01-19T22:27:00.001Z

Update on Moseley Road baths and this weeks HG constituency meeting

Moseley Road baths has hit the headlines today in relation to a heated Hall Green Constituency meeting where I was called a “tw@t” by the prospective Labour Council candidate for Hall Green Ward, Barry Bowles. The meeting also included an announcement that the baths would not re-open until April or May. I will try to explain the background to all this in a bit.

For some background, my last blog update was on 23rd December and can be seen at http://martinmullaney.blogspot.com/2011/12/update-on-moseley-road-baths-23rd.html

First of all the final phase of re-opening the baths began on Monday 16th January with contractors moving into the basement to begin work. They will be replacing temporary scaffolding that holds up the floor in numerous places, with permanent scaffolding. This work will take four to five weeks to complete and we are hoping that the baths should be able to re- at the end of February.

What has confused the issue and the reason for the sudden announcement that the baths won’t re-open until April or May, is concern over flaking paint from the ceiling in Pool 2. Users of this pool prior to its closure in December 2010, will have noticed the flaking paint even then. It was particularly bad on the lower sections of the curved ceiling, on the right hand side as you entered the pool. The photo below shows the section I mean with big red arrows pointing at it.

The pool was last painted in 2003 and the flaking paint was due to the very high humidity in the pool area, which was caused by the staff not turning on the mechanical ventilation fans whilst people were in the pool. The staff wouldn’t turn the fans on, because they were very noisy due to worn bearings.

The bearings have now been replaced and hopefully such rapid flaking of the paint will not happen again.

Since the closure of the pool in December 2010 and the resulting dryer atmosphere, the paint flaking has accelerated to such an extent that officers in Hall Green constituency are concerned that flakes may fall into swimmers eyes. The staff in the pool have removed most of the flaking paint, but some still exists in the harder to reach parts of the ceiling.

To completely repaint the ceiling would cost £65,000 and take over six weeks to complete, thus taking the re-opening up until April or May. We have £80,000 ‘sticking plaster’ money which could fund this re-painting, however I would rather focus this money on fixing the roof of leaks – especially after all the recent lead thefts - and keep this building going until its big restoration in 2014.

Mindful that the pool has been closed for over a year and being quite familiar with the level of flaking, I have disputed the need to repaint the entire ceiling. As a result, I attended a meeting this morning with a Health and Safety officer to decide if the flaking paint was a concern. The officer said that the level of flaking is not of concern.

As a result of this, I have stressed to officers that the pool must re-open once the basement work is finished at the end of February. We will repaint the worse affected lower sections of the ceiling and this must be completed by the end of February. The rest of the £80,000 must be focused on the roof and again these roof works must not delay the re-opening of the pool at the end of February.

Coming to the Hall Green constituency meeting on Tuesday. Readers may or may not be aware that the day-to-day operation of Moseley Road baths is run by Hall Green Constituency. The Hall Green constituency committee have the final say on whether the pool remains open or not. Since May 2010, Hall Green constituency has had a Labour Party majority and is Chaired by Sparkbrook Ward Councillor, Councillor Tony Kennedy (Labour).

In recent months, I have become concerned about some of the messages I am hearing from Hall Green constituency office under this new political control. In October, I was informed that the Hall Green office was making enquiries as to whether my Cabinet portfolio would take the day-to-day control out of the constituency hands.

In early January, I was informed that an enquiry had been made from Hall Green office to my Cabinet officers, as to our views on not re-opening Moseley Road baths until after its partial restoration starting in 2014.

Then to discover last week that at the end of the agenda of the Hall Green constituency meeting for Tuesday 17th January was an item called ‘Moseley Road baths – Future Options’, then my alarm bells started ringing. Also, I know that the alarm bells were ringing with the Friends of Moseley Road baths.

As a result, even through the constituency meeting was held in the upstairs community room of Hall Green Library, there was still a large contingent of users of Moseley Road baths there.

The meeting began at 7pm and with Moseley Road baths being second last on the agenda, we eventually reached this item at 8.45pm. This only allowed 15 minutes for the remaining two items on the agenda, since the room was only booked till 9pm. As soon as we reach this item, the whole thing kicked off. Cllr Kennedy said the baths were "a financial burden". Cllr Quinnen (Labour, Sparkbrook) blamed both myself and the administration for not fully restoring the baths during the last seven years – I did point out that at the last constituency meeting she was complaining that we hadn’t spent £58million on a new Olympic pool in the city centre. In the midst of this Barry Bowles, Labour Party candidate for Hall Green Ward in the forthcoming Council elections shouted out that I was a "tw@t"....which resulted in the baths users shouting at him.

When it came to the vote for the ‘future options’ report, the Lib Dem side voted against, but asked for another vote on a slightly different motion, namely "support an Options Report, as long it looked at ways of keeping the building as a swimming baths and managed by the constituency". It was seconded by Cllr Hendricks.

Cllr Kennedy said he would not accept this motion.

I said if we could ask the audience to see if they would support this alternative motion. He responded by saying that he would not allow any further decision and moved the meeting onto the next item on the agenda. In the resulting uproar, Cllr Kennedy got the Labour group to agree to the next item straight away and ended the meeting.

The constituency officers will now be coming back in March with a set of options for the future of the baths.

In the meantime we are about to start work on the Heritage Lottery bid to restore the baths. Our proposal is to submit a HLF bid in April. The bid would be for phase 1 of the restoration, totalling £8million. The £8million will include the following:
• Making the entire building stable, by completely fixing the roof and stopping any more leaks; removing all the dry rot from the caretakers area. This will stop any further decay in the building.
• Pool 2 – the present pool will remain an operating pool
• Pool 1 – the ornate first class pool will be boarded over and used for community events. In phase 2 of the restoration we would aim to get this back as a swimming pool
• Possible installation of a Combined Heat and Power system, which would heat this building and all surrounding buildings.

Bidding for Heritage Lottery monies is a lengthy process and if successful, the earliest we could start on phase 1 of the restoration is 2014. It is estimated work would take two years to complete.

2012-01-12T21:53:00.002Z

The Planning Committee will be visiting the former tram depot offices at 582 Moseley Road at the corner of Trafalgar Road. The Committee will be looking at the state of building following my complaint at Planning Committee today about the lack of planning enforcement on this building.

582 Moseley Road is one of the few tram depots in Birmingham that is statutory listed and is certainly the grandest in design. The site consists of two buildings:

Building 1: the large shed to the rear which housed the trams and is now used as a skateboard and rock climbing centre.

Building 2: the two storey building that fronts onto Moseley Road is the former offices and canteen for the depot. This is now empty and is the focus of this visit.

This is a long history of unauthorised work at this building since 2004. Indeed, many residents will know that I made a YouTube about the state of this building in 2005. I had become fed up with the lack of action by our Planning officers to stop the owner doing unauthorised demolition on the building. My YouTube video showed some of the unauthorised demolition work, which included the complete gutting of the interior. It also showed how the owner had undermined the foundations, which for a period made the entire building structurally unstable. For this piece of public service, I was suspended for a month as a Councillor, since 21seconds of the video involved me walking inside a section of the building and was deemed to be trespass.

Roll forward to 2012 and the owner has continued to do unauthorised work on the building. Indeed, in 2008 the owner was given retrospective planning permission for some of his work, with conditions that the worst parts of his previous work was reversed. To date the owner has made no attempt whatsoever to satisfy these conditions.

The owner in 2009 even built a front boundary wall that was not to the design or materials as agreed by Planning – it was excessively high, using poor quality bricks and the quality of the bricklaying was so poor that one section of the boundary is not even level, with a 2 degree slope to the horizon.

I complained to Planning in 2009 about the front boundary wall and the lack of action in satisfying the conditions of the 2008 planning application. Since then no further work has happened on site, but equally no enforcement action has taken plan either.

At today’s Planning Committee I also asked if a Section 215 notice could be issued against the owner to force him to tidy up the frontage – this is after all a gateway site into Moseley. A Section 215 notice can be used to force property owners to tidy up their properties if they are deemed to be eyesores from the public highway. I’ve managed to persuade Planning to issue several Section 215 notices against Moseley and Kings Heath properties since 2004.

Actions that could be undertaken by a Section 215 on this property include:

Secure the perimeter of the site – at the moment children can wander around the front which has rubble and bits of wood with nails sticking up. It is even possible to access the rear of site and the interior of the building by squeezing through a gap in the perimeter boarding. The skateboard park to the rear inform me that drug users regularly congregate inside the building and have to cleared out by the police.
Remove all the mouldy boards that have been left leaning up against the frontage.
Remove all the bags of sand and rumble around the frontage.

The date for the site visit has not yet been set, but if anyone would like to attend, please e-mail me back and I’ll let you know the date when it is sent to me.

2012-01-09T18:08:00.001Z

My libraries letter that the Bham Post won't publish

On 17th November, the Birmingham Post published a lengthy letter from John Dolan which raised questions about the future of Birmingham Library Service. Indeed, the Post also reported this letter in an article and added an editorial piece about the letter.

You would think the Birmingham Post in fairness would allow me a response. But no. I sent my letter in on 9th December and waited for the letter to be published. A month later, nothing.

As I have said before, the Editor of the Birmingham Post is running a politically biased newspaper. Articles praising Labour or criticising the Conservative/Lib Dem coalition are given ample room. Opportunities to provide balance are ignored.

My letter that the Birmingham Post won't publish is as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

The letter from John Dolan OBE regarding library services in Birmingham (Birmingham Post 17th November) contained a series of questions on the future of the Birmingham library service and I felt compelled to provide detailed answers to them.

However, before answering those questions, I hope you will allow me the opportunity to comment on the overall tone of Mr Dolan’s letter. It was quite clear from the letter that he believes Birmingham City Council is abandoning its library service. I would argue that the case is the complete opposite, which I will try to illustrate below.

Since 2004, the City Council’s present administration has invested £4.3million in improving the fabric of its community libraries. Many of our community libraries operate from within aging buildings that have been poorly maintained over the last 20 years. Since 2004, we have been correcting the impact of that poor maintenance. In addition to this £4.3million, a further £1.1million is being invested in our libraries in this financial year. Kings Heath, Selly Oak and Hall Green Libraries will have new roofs by April 2012.

Further, we are investing £188.8m in a new Library of Birmingham, to replace the Central Library. This will be a world-class facility, with world-class resources and a re-energised vision for the library in the twenty-first century.

I hope your readers will accept that these are challenging times for our libraries: not only are libraries up and down the country having to absorb the impact of the national financial crisis, but technological advancements such as the internet are questioning the future role of the public library.

In Birmingham we recognise that there is still the need for community libraries in: up-skilling our citizens; improving literacy, especially in communities where English is the second language; and in reducing the digital divide. It is for this reason that no community library in Birmingham will close under the present administration’s proposals. Subject to approval from the Constituency Committees, 16 out of our 39 community libraries will remain open five days a week, as now. The remaining 23 libraries will open four days a week, instead of the present five.

While other cities are closing down community libraries, I think what Birmingham is doing is highly commendable and deserves praise. New operating models will need to be considered, but these are tough times and we need to maximize every penny spent on our library service.

I think it would also be helpful if I outlined where the responsibilities lie with regard to Birmingham’s Library Service. As the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture I have the responsibility to set the strategic direction and policy for our libraries, I do not however have the responsibility for community library budgets or their management, this rests with the relevant Constituency Committee.

Having said that however I will seek to address the questions raised by Mr Dolan, I have included his original questions for ease of reference.

Q The Birmingham Post sets out cuts planned for Birmingham Libraries http://bit.ly/sFdMAC. This comes out one day before the last Council public consultation meeting on its budget plans. There was no mention of libraries in list of cuts up for public consultation. In all the public papers (at http://bit.ly/hhBqvJ); the words 'library' or 'libraries' are not used anywhere.

A Libraries are not referred to in the consultation, since the new consultation exercise relates to savings required the 2012/13 financial year. Library service savings for the next three years were addressed in last year’s budgetary and consultative process.

Q This is actually about dismantling the service through the back door while pretending to fix the front door. Birmingham has already dismissed most of the senior and middle management.

A A number of library staff have chosen to take voluntary redundancy, but Birmingham still continues to employ a substantial number of qualified librarians – many more than most library authorities both as professional librarians and as managers

Q Previous cuts: What is the financial value of cuts and savings already made this financial year? - Managers and staff? Bookfund? Other resources? The closed Children's Mobile Library? The closed Schools Library Service? Maintenance budgets? Training budgets? Reduced hours? Libraries closed "for repair"?

A The savings target for Community Library services in 2011/12 is £1.3m and this cumulatively increases to £2.3m by 2013/14. The savings target for Strategic Library Services is £2.5 million cumulatively rising to £2.7 million by 2013/14. Savings are being made through staffing budgets.

Q Investment: What is being invested in library buildings, their maintenance, on re-opening libraries closed "for repair"? How many libraries already require repairs over say, £50,000? How much will be spent on self-service machines? What's the timescale? Who will be charged with installing them and training staff?

A The City Council has invested over £4.3 million in its Community Library buildings since 2004. A further £1.1 million is being spent on library buildings this year. In addition the city is investing in the £188.8 million Library of Birmingham. Funding was found in 2010-11 for a number of self service machines for 10 Community Libraries. These are currently being installed by the city’s IT provider and training will be provided. The Central Library has had self service for some time.

Q People: Why does this report not say that, already, nearly all senior and middle management have been made redundant, that the majority of librarians are being made redundant? Why are you deliberately getting rid of librarian skills? How will you provide library services of any quality?

A Birmingham continues to employ a substantial number of qualified librarians – many more than most library authorities - both as professional librarians and as managers. In addition we employ professional conservators and archivists in recognition of the unique and valuable resources within our special collections.

Q Volunteers: You talk of using volunteers. What skills will they need? What will be their responsibilities? Who will manage volunteers? How will they be trained? Will they be able to do information searches, tell stories to children, advise on reading, assist with homework, show people how to use the computer, plan and run summer reading/literacy programmes? Will they have access to my personal information?

A Our Volunteer policy is on the library website. Libraries have been working with volunteers for some time to assist with the Summer Reading Challenge, ICT support, Friends Groups etc

Q Bookstart: Who will distribute the Government-funded 'Bookstart' books for babies as the 'Bookstart' librarian has been made redundant?

A Alternative arrangements have been made following a voluntary redundancy request and we will continue to deliver Bookstart through our libraries

Q Income: Where's the business plan for leasing rooms? How many rooms? Rooms are already 'leased' - so does this mean the end of reduced / free room use for voluntary community groups? What is the additional income forecast?

A This is a localised matter – each Constituency will make its own decision under the current governance arrangements. You will need to contact the various Constituency Chairs for this information.

Q Co-location: Which buildings are you planning to share with others? Aston has already moved to smaller premises; which others are to move?

A The new Shard End Library will open in 2012 sharing premises with a Neighbourhood Office and community facilities. There are plans to re-locate Kents Moat Library in a future Poolway development to bring local authority services together. Plans are also being developed to re-locate West Heath Library as its current building is no longer fit for purpose. Co-location opportunities which will enhance library provision and meet user needs will always be considered.

Q Library of Birmingham: You have a chance to do something special to put Birmingham on the map. How much are the "savings being made on the £187 million Library of Birmingham"? Are you still planning for the LOB to be a "world class" library - in services as well as architecture?" How will the LOB work with and support local libraries in local communities? Do you have a revenue budget for the LOB? Will it be what was envisaged or will you downgrade the world class vision to the provincial ordinary?

A The Library of Birmingham will be a world class library with world class resources. The savings have already been made through procurement bringing the overall cost from £193 million to £188.8 million, and we expect through excellent project management to deliver further savings against this budget without compromising the quality of the library. The revenue budget forms part of the city’s medium term financial strategy. Your quoted figure of £187 million is inaccurate press reporting. Work is underway to pilot innovative new relationships with Constituency Libraries through a pilot project with the new Shard End Library, due to open in February 2012.

Q Community libraries: How do you envisage a community library will play an active part in community life if it's only open "two days a week"?

A The Scrutiny report on Community Libraries - which was wrongly reported in the newspaper - is available on the City Council website. Nowhere does it mention libraries only being open for two days a week. The developing proposal to meet is that over a third of the community libraries will retain their current 5 day per week opening hours and the remaining smaller less busy libraries would reduce budget savings from 5 to 4 days per week. However, it will be up to each Constituency Committee to decide if they wish to accept this proposal or to find another means of meet their savings target

Q Birmingham Library Services: This was an historic, outstanding and innovative public service. Will the library service be reunited as one service or remain divided across constituencies, duplicating and wasting resources? How much does each constituency have to save? What if some agree and others don't? Or what has already been agreed out of public view?

A The Localisation and Devolution governance arrangements were reviewed by the City Council in 2010 and re-confirmed with all party support. However, I do hold a similar view that the library service would benefit from being managed strategically, with Ward Councillors being able to influence the service in their local libraries. Although I have put this view forward on more than one occasion each Constituency will continue to be responsible for implementing its own budget savings. The developing proposals provide a consistent future operating model for Constituencies within the overall reduced level of funding available. It will be up to each Constituency Committee if they wish to accept these proposals or to meet the savings target through another means.

Q Total savings: These savings were not in the list for consultation with the total savings target. Why were they omitted? Are they extra to those announced?

A Libraries are not mentioned in the present consultation because libraries are not required to make any contribution in this extra round of savings. The 2010-13 budget savings which affected library services were announced in the Council Business Plan 2011+.

Q Public consultation: Why has there been no public information about these proposals? Why was this information deliberately omitted from the presentations at the public meetings? Why is there no public consultation about library service cuts? What do intend to do about that?

A Libraries are not mentioned in this budget consultation because libraries are not required to contribute any savings towards this new figure. When finally developed, proposals will go to Constituency Committees for consultation and decision.

Q Would you accept that there is actually no strategic thinking here about public library services? There has been no meaningful consultation on library service cuts or its future. isn't your real intention is to neglect and downgrade the service to be, at best, mediocre? How therefore, do you intend to meet your duties under library legislation? You must provide a "comprehensive and efficient library service" to everyone who wishes to use it. How will you do that?

A We are conducting a full service review to provide a strategic approach to library provision in a very difficult economic climate. We’re awaiting the findings of the full service review but, against a backdrop of closures up and down the country, we remain committed to keeping our 39 community libraries open.

Further to this, I have suggested that if Mr Dolan has any further questions, then my senior portfolio officers are more than happy to meet him to provide further explanations.

Councillor Martin Mullaney

Cabinet member for Leisure, Sport and Culture

Birmingham City Council

2012-01-08T20:10:00.001Z

Planning Applications in Moseley & Kings Heath Ward that are still live– Sunday 8th January 2012

These are applications, where no decision has been made and residents can still comment on.

Drawings and further details on each of these planning application is available on-line at http://eplanning.birmingham.gov.uk/Northgate/PlanningExplorer/ApplicationSearch.aspx

If you wish to comment on any of these applications, you do this by the following means

• e-mailing to planning.enquiries@birmingham.gov.uk

• telephoning (planning will accept comments on planning application over the telephone) 303 1115 – please remember to quote the planning application number you are commenting on

• post to Planning Management, Birmingham City Council, PO Box 28, Birmingham B1 1TU

2011/08663/PA 165 - 167 High Street Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7DJ Installation of new shop front and other external alterations to the rear. Registered 22-12-2011

2011/08574/PA 63 Goodby Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8RP Erection of single storey rear extension. Registered 20-12-2011

2011/08760/PA 50 Dad's Lane Kings Heath Birmingham B13 8PQ Erection of single storey rear extension, alterations to shopfront and resiting of internal staircase. Registered 29-12-2011

2011/08717/PA 66 Moorcroft Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8LU Erection of two storey rear extension Registered 28-12-2011

2011/08695/PA 20 Moor Green Lane Tennessee House Moseley Birmingham B13 8ND Application to extend the time of extant planning application 2008/00431/PA for a proposed 1, 2 & 3 storey extensions & alterations to existing old people's home providing 30 No. apartments & associated car parking works Registered 23-12-2011

2011/08393/PA Moseley Hall Hospital Alcester Road Birmingham B13 8JL Removal of existing tile hanging cladding panels and replacement with new rendered board cladding panels to all elevations of the existing Ward Blocks and associated buildings Registered 12-12-2011

2011/08605/PA 49 Elizabeth Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8QH Extension to first floor side and rear, and alterations to roof. Registered 21-12-2011

2011/08090/PA 41 Poplar Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7AA Installation of new footway crossing and alterations to car park to create additional parking spaces, storage shed to rear, and installation of posts and railings and gates to front Registered 29-11-2011

2011/08524/PA 8A Wake Green Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9EZ Change of use from offices (Use Class B1) to an Education Centre (Use Class D1) Registered 19-12-2011

2011/08511/PA The Uffculme Centre 52 Queensbridge Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8QY Listed buildings consent for the demolition of existing timber framed building and reinstatement of the demolition to form hardstanding. Registered 19-12-2011

2011/08494/PA 100 High Street Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7JZ Variation of Condition 1 to allow opening times Sunday to Thursday 12:00pm to 12:00am and Friday & Saturday 12:00pm to 1:00am attached to planning approval 2010/03512/PA Registered 16-12-2011

2011/08065/PA 93 Addison Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7EP Erection of single storey side and rear extension Registered 28-11-2011

2011/08344/PA 20 Moorcroft Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9SW Erection of two storey rear and single storey rear extensions. Registered 09-12-2011

2011/08216/PA 118-120 Springfield Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7DY Change of use from vacant ground floor retail unit and first floor flats to 2 dwelling houses (use class C3) and erection of two storey rear extensions Registered 06-12-2011

2011/07101/PA 24 Amesbury Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8LE Replacement of glazing to front Registered 21-10-2011

2011/07965/PA Maple Dene 10-14 St Agnes Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9PW Replacement of windows Registered 24-11-2011

2011/06885/PA 25 Institute Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7EG Retention of existing hostel at first and second floor levels & retention of bay window to ground floor front elevation Registered 12-10-2011

2011/07963/PA 63 Alcester Road South Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7JG Change of use from retail (Use Class A1) to restaurant (Use Class A3) and hot food takeaway (Use Class A5) Registered 22-11-2011

2011/08012/PA 348-354 Moor Green Lane Land to the rear of Moseley Birmingham B13 8QP Erection of 4no. 3 bedroom dwelling houses Registered 25-11-2011

2011/07838/PA 91A Alcester Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8DD Erection of rear extension to existing vehicle maintenance garage Registered 17-11-2011

2011/07727/PA 9 Middleton Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7HX Erection of a detached garage to rear. Registered 14-11-2011

2011/07621/PA 17 High Street Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7BB Change of use to restaurant and hot food take away (Use Class A3/A5) and erection of single storey rear extension Registered 09-11-2011

2011/07780/PA Unit 6 39 Forest Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9DH Change of use to form bed-sit accommodation (single unit) with bay window to front elevation Registered 16-11-2011
2011/06726/PA 12 Sarehole Mill Gardens Moseley Birmingham B13 8BL Proposed erection of 3 no. one bedroom bungalows. Registered 04-10-2011

2011/07252/PA 42 Wake Green Road Moseley B13 9FP Erection of a two and single storey side extension. Registered 26-10-2011

2011/07715/PA 107 Edgbaston Road Land adj to Balsall Heath Birmingham B12 9PJ Erection of 1 no. four bed detached dwelling house Registered 14-11-2011

2011/07644/PA 2 Yew Tree Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8QQ Listed building consent for the change of use to form new school and erection of single storey front extension to form entrance and reception area and erection of 1.8m high boundary wall and gates to front Registered 09-11-2011

2011/07642/PA 2 Yew Tree Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8QQ Change of use to form new school and erection of single storey front extension to form entrance and reception area and erection of 1.8m high boundary wall and gates to front Registered 09-11-2011

2011/07388/PA 582 Moseley Road Birmingham B12 9AA Redesign the glass conservatory extension to rear to omit the hipped roof section and replace with gable end Registered 27-10-2011

2011/07383/PA 582 Moseley Road Birmingham B12 9AA Redesign the glass conservatory extension to rear to omit the hipped roof section and replace with gable end Registered 27-10-2011

2011/05740/PA 2 Oxford Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9EJ Change of use from hostel (C2) to single dwelling house (C3). Registered 26-08-2011

2011/06712/PA 145 Alcester Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8JP Change of use to a car wash operation Registered 03-10-2011

2011/06672/PA 169 Alcester Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8JR Change of use of vacant buildings to retail (use class A1) and formation of new residential unit (use class C3). Registered 04-10-2011

2011/06256/PA 49 Billesley Lane Moseley Birmingham B13 9QT Reconstruction and extension of 2 no. existing tennis courts and installation of floodlighting. Registered 21-09-2011

2012-01-05T20:34:00.002Z

Sarehole Mill, Moseley, to get three new sluice gates

Please before you delete this message due to its boring sounding topic, give me the chance to persuade you why three new sluice gates for Sarehole Mill in the coming weeks is actually very interesting.

The millpond behind Sarehole Mill, that keeps one of the two wheels spinning, is nearly completely silted up. Unless something is done to desilt the millpond in the next two years, we will have to permanently stop the one operating wheel. The installation of these three new sluices in the coming weeks, needs to seen as phase 1 of the de-silting of this pond. When we eventually get this pond de-silted, not only will we get more wildlife into the pond, but it opens up the opportunity to get the second wheel operating as a hydroelectric generator.

The millpond to the rear of Sarehole Mill was once a 1metre deep pond stretching 50metres from the Mill to Wake Green Road. The source of the water for this millpond comes from a spring hidden underneath the junction of Billesley Lane and Greenhill Road. Sadly, two thirds of the millpond is completely silted with trees going on it, whilst the small bit left is only 6 inches deep. The few ducks you see there do not paddle across the pond, they instead walk along the pond bed. No fish live in the pond, since they are simply poached during the Summer. Before we can even start the desilting process we need to replace three sluice gates that are either broken or on the point of complete collapse.....which in turn would completely empty the millpond and flood the mill out.

Sarehole Mill is one of the last two watermills within the boundary of Birmingham – the other one is New Hall Mill in Walmley, Sutton Coldfield. Up until the 1850s, there were approximately 90 watermills in operation in the modern boundary of Birmingham. Many of the millponds that powered these watermills still exist in our parks as boating ponds, for example Swanshurst Park, Cannon Hill Park, Trittiford Mill.

Sarehole Mill has two water wheels – the northern most one, called logically the ‘north wheel’, is still in operation and can be seen slowly spinning whenever the mill is open to the public. The other one, the ‘south wheel’ is hidden from public view and has not operated since before 1969. The south wheel could easily become operational, but during the 1969 restoration it was decided to focus all resources on making the north wheel operational.

Sarehole Mill has five sluice gates. The sluice gates are nothing more than thick planks of oak wood that can be lefted up-and-down, under which water flows, which in turns controls the water flow into the water wheels. One water wheel is used to move water out of the millpond, by passing the two wheels, in the event of a heavy rain storm and the mill being flooded. The sluice gates are moved up-and-down either by the use of a lever, or by a simple handle.

The five sluice gates are located as follows:

Sluice gate 1 - Millpond overflow, by passing both wheels – this is permanently stuck shut
Sluice gate 2 – North wheel – inner sluice gate – this is permanently stuck half open
Sluice gate 3 – North wheel – outer sluice gate – this is still operational and can moved up-and-down
Sluice gate 4 – North wheel – inner sluice gate – this is permanently shut
Sluice gate 5 – North wheel – outer sluice gate – this is completely rotten, permanently shut and in danger of collapsing

The proposal is to replace sluice gates 1, 3 and 5

Replacing sluice gate 1 will allow the mill to lower the millpond level in the event of heavy rainstorms. The mill has been flooded several times in recent years, due to the present gate stuck shut and not repairable.

Replacing sluice gate 3 will allow us to close water off to sluice gate 2 and given us the chance to do regular maintenance on it. Plus we will be able to regularly remove silt from the millrace in between sluice gates 2 and 3.

Replacing sluice gate 5 will prevent an complete collapse of the gate and subsequent drainage of the millpond. It will also allow us to start to moving towards getting the south wheel operational. Our long term aspiration is to connect this wheel to a motor and generate hydroelectric power for nearby houses.

Once we have these sluice gates fixed, it will allow us to desilt the millpond. We had been warned by a millwright that desilting the pond first without changing the sluice gates would result in sluice gate 5 collapsing under the higher water pressure from the millpond.

Once the millpond is desilted, we can get the north wheel spinning faster. At the moment, it is kept to spinning as slow as possible, so as to prevent sucking any silt from the pond onto the waterwheel. We do have a problem with silt gradually building up underneath the waterwill and in the tailrace leading from the north wheel. Having the opportunity to do fast bursts of water will allow us to flush all this silt out.

The cost of desilting the pond is approximately £200,000. We already have £50,000 towards this from the Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery Development Trust.

The three sluice gates will be replaced by the end of March.

2012-01-03T18:40:00.004Z

Work begins on the restoration of the South Africa War memorial in Cannon Hill Park

Work is to begin in the coming weeks to restore the South African War memorial in Cannon Hill Park, Moseley. This follows a successful application to the War Memorial Trust for £15,000, plus match funding of £15,000 from the Council.

The memorial is a large and impressive feature at the northern end of Cannon Hill. However, the years have not been kind to it: features have been stolen; underground movement has cracked the granite plinth; a lack of pointing is allowing water ingress into the plinth causing more damage and finally, the bronze sculptures have lost their protective coating and now slowly corroding away.

The South African War memorial was unveiled on 23^rd June 1906 to remember the servicemen from Birmingham who were killed in the Second Anglo-Boer War of 1899 to 1902. Similar other South African War memorials erected up and down Britain were the first known example of mass raising of war memorials in this country. The scale was unprecedented, no previous war, even those of a similar scale such as the Crimea (1854-1857) and the Napoleonic Wars (1798-1815), resulted in such a popular and public expression.

The Cannon Hill Park South African War Memorial was design by Albert Toft who would go on to design the King Edward VII stutue (now in front of Baskerville House) and the bronze allegorical figures around the Hall of Memory, Centenary Square.

This memorial portrays both war and peace, featuring two soldiers at either side of a gun carriage – one represents Courage, the other Endurance. Standing above the two solders is a female figure holding a shield showing the City Arms and an olive branch.

On three of the four sides of the granite plinth, are bronze plaques with the names of the Fallen, while the fourth face contains a bronze bas-relief showing two figures representing Grief and Sympathy.

The four corners of the granite plinth did contain bronze figures which we believe were eagles, but we have been unable to find any close-up photos to confirm their design.

As mentioned above a number of features have been stolen, these include: the four eagles at the corners of the granite plinth; the olive branch held by Peace; the rifles and bayonets on the backs of the two solders.

If you look at the four bronze plaques on the granite plinth, you will see where scrap metal thieves have tried to crow-bar them off – the granite has been damaged and the bronze plaques bent in places.

The restoration work will do the following:

Restore the bronze features back to their original bronze finish, not the present green corrosive coating. The bronze features will also have a protective coating to stop any further corrosion.
The granite plinth will be cleaned, carefully repointed and any missing sections of granite re-instated.
The olive branch for the Peace figure will be reinstated. We have good quality photographs which we can use to create a replica.

I am trying to find the extra £2,000 to fund the re-creation of the rifles and bayonets, but made in plastic resin.

We don’t have any detailed photos of the eagles that were around the base, so we are unable to recreate these.

We hope to have the restoration work completed by the end of March.

2011-12-23T10:08:00.001Z

Update on Moseley Road baths –23rd December 2011 – Good and Bad news

There is good news and bad news with regards the re-opening of Moseley Road baths.

For some background, my last blog update was on 19th November and can be seen at http://martinmullaney.blogspot.com/2011/11/update-on-moseley-road-baths-19th.html

The bad news is that the re-opening date for the swimming baths has been pushed back by a month to the end of February 2012. This delay has been caused by the Council’s own bureaucratic procedures in releasing the money to do the next stage of work. Anyone who meets me over the Christmas period will notice various bald spots on my head, caused by me pulling my hair out over the last few weeks trying to get this money released. We are hoping to have this money signed off in the next week.

The basement is now clear of asbestos. If the report releasing the next stage of money is signed off next week, then the company installing the permanent structural scaffolding into the basement will move onto site on 16^th January. Their work will take 4 to 5 weeks to complete.

The good news is that we will be having the pool 2 ceiling repainted during this closure period. Anyone who used pool 2 prior to its closure last December, will remember that the paint on the ceiling was badly flaking. This flaking was caused by the high humidity in the pool, which in turn was caused by the poor ventilation. When the pool is re-opened the ventilation will be significantly improved, since the mechanical issues in the ventilation fans have now been fixed. So hopefully, this flaking will not be a problem for a number of years.

By re-painting the pool now – and the money for this will hopefully be signed off next week – this will prevent the pool being closed later in the year due to the flakes falling off into the pool.

2011-12-08T21:01:00.002Z

Cross Party letter to the Mark Thompson, DG of BBC

From: Gisela Stuart MP, Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell MP, John Hemming MP, Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP, Jack Dromey MP, Roger Godsiff MP, Shabana Mahmood MP, Steve McCabe MP

Councillors Tim Huxtable, Martin Mullaney, Sir Albert Bore

We are a cross party group of MPs and Councillors who request you to come to Birmingham, as a matter of urgency, to meet with us, to discuss the future of the BBC in Birmingham.

To Mark Thompson, DG, BBC White City, London W12 7TS

7^th December, 2011

Dear Mr Thompson

BBC Birmingham

The decision to drastically reduce the BBC’s presence in the City of Birmingham is unacceptable, unjustified and ultimately unsustainable. We write to you today as a cross-party group of elected representatives, at City Council and Parliamentary level, to urge you to think again.

The BBC has a long and proud history in Birmingham, as befits both the nation’s premier broadcasting institution and the largest of its provincial cities. But we are not opposed to these proposals on purely sentimental grounds. We are united in the view that the continuation of a major BBC presence in the city is essential to the economic vitality of Birmingham and the wider West Midlands region.

It is striking how these proposals run contrary to the BBC’s own professed duty to the regions. It appears to people in Birmingham that this “duty” is being applied in a manner that can at best be described as inconsistent. We have noted how the BBC has recently built a major studio in Glasgow, at a cost of £180million, to strengthen its presence in that part of the country, yet it is now planning to withdraw much of its operation from our, much larger, city and region. Furthermore, we observe that a further 1000 jobs are due to move to the Media City in Salford, on top of the 2000 jobs that have already been relocated to that facility.

This is wholly inequitable. If jobs can be moved out of London to Salford, there is no reason why they cannot be relocated from London to Birmingham. We already have the state of the art facilities to support those jobs here, which you personally opened just seven years ago. We would ask that you now make the BBC’s professed commitment to the regions a reality, by committing to invest in BBC Birmingham.

There is clearly a better way. The BBC supports a wide range of activities and these should be properly shared across the regions. This means that there has to be a renewed commitment to Birmingham and the West Midlands. We firmly believe that there are further BBC facilities that can be housed in Birmingham

Firstly, we would suggest that BBC3 production is moved to the city. Birmingham is one of the youngest cities in the country and is home to a rich and diverse community of people. A channel that is aimed at younger people and designed to reflect Britain’s cultural diversity would have a natural home in Birmingham and would draw great strength from an association with the second city.

Second, we note that the BBC’s Mailbox facility possesses state of the art radio drama and radio production studios. Under your current proposals, these facilities, which cost some £40million to build, will be reduced to being used over just four days a month for The Archers and local radio production. This is clearly wasteful and unsustainable, when they could be used to provide a home for a national channel. We suggest that moving Radio Two production to Birmingham would be an excellent use for these radio facilities. If Salford is considered a suitable place to house Radio Five Live, then Birmingham can host a major channel too.

Thirdly, we have a powerful creative output here in Birmingham. Drama and the arts are powerful drivers of our local economy and we are proud of the efforts that are made to nurture local talent. There is also a powerful history of drama production in the city – a history in which the BBC has played a leading role. We would propose that the BBC strengthens its offer in the city and West Midlands region by building a drama studio in Birmingham. This could provide a facility for the independent production companies that form a growing part of our local creative economy, as well as for BBC productions, which would make the proposal financially sustainable. If it is good enough for Glasgow, then it is good enough for Birmingham.

We believe that these proposals are sensible, well-measured and in the best interests of the BBC and the City of Birmingham. We ask that you come to Birmingham and meet with us to discuss these proposals and how we can ensure that the BBC retains a substantial and meaningful presence in our city in the future.

Yours sincerely

Gisela Stuart MP

on behalf of the above named Birmingham MPs and Councillors

2011-12-04T11:35:00.001Z

Two individuals banned from Moseley

The police have asked me to distribute the attached poster showing two individuals banned through ASBOs from Moseley.

The two individuals have focused on elderly residents, stealing items from their homes. If you meet, they are very charming, which they use to get inside elderly peoples homes.

2011-11-19T18:20:00.002Z

Update on Moseley Road baths –19th November 2011 – Good news and Bad news

There is good news and bad news with regards the re-opening of Moseley Road baths in mid to late January 2012.

For some background, my last blog update was on 1^st November and can be seen at http://martinmullaney.blogspot.com/2011/11/update-on-moseley-road-baths-1-st.html

The good news is that we are still on target to re-open the swimming baths in mid to late January 2012. The company removing the asbestos in the basement, finished on Friday 18^th November. There will now be two days of inspection and air testing for asbestos and if this is successful, work will begin on installing the permanent scaffolding in the basement – this will take 6 weeks to complete.

The bad news is that the roof of the baths is being visited by metal thieves on a nightly basis. I attach photos below showing the damage they are causing, but as you can see they are doing the following:

a) Stealing the lead flashing, which in turn will introduce large leaks into the roof infrastructure, causing more rot

b) Displacing roof slates or putting their foot through roof sections, as they remove the lead flashing, which in turn is creating more roof leaks.

c) Trying to remove the cooper lightning conductor at the base of the boiler house chimney. If they succeed is doing this, this could be catastrophic, since the chimney would explode if hit by a lighting bolt.

Stopping the metal thieves is proving difficult, since they come with ladders and are prepared to clamber over the roofs, putting their own lives at risk, to get to the metal they want.

We have met with English Heritage who have given us permission to replace all lead flashing with a substitute material called ‘turncoat’ stainless steel. This material looks like lead after weathering, but has the advantage of being very difficult to remove. Lead is soft and rips – perfect for the metal thief. Stainless steel is stiff, can be nailed in place and has to cut by hacksaw.

With the £80,000 for ‘sticking plaster’ works we has successful received from corporate finance, we will be replacing all lead flashing.

With regards the Heritage Lottery bid, we are aiming to put the bid in, in April 2012. However, I’m in discussions with Corporate Finance to understand what level of match funding the Council are willing to offer – this is a pre-requirement for any HLF submission.

2011-11-13T19:35:00.001Z

Planning Applications in Moseley & Kings Heath Ward that are still live– Sunday 13^th November 2011

These are applications, where no decision has been made and residents can still comment on.

Drawings and further details on each of these planning application is available on-line at http://eplanning.birmingham.gov.uk/Northgate/PlanningExplorer/ApplicationSearch.aspx

If you wish to comment on any of these applications, you do this by the following means

e-mailing to planning@birmingham.gov.uk

telephoning (planning will accept comments on planning application over the telephone) 303 1115 – please remember to quote the planning application number you are commenting on

post to Planning Management, Birmingham City Council, PO Box 28, Birmingham B1 1TU

2011/07644/PA 2 Yew Tree Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8QQ Listed building consent for the change of use to form new school and erection of single storey front extension to form entrance and reception area and erection of 1.8m high boundary wall and gates to front Registered 09-11-2011

2011/07642/PA 2 Yew Tree Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8QQ Change of use to form new school and erection of single storey front extension to form entrance and reception area and erection of 1.8m high boundary wall and gates to front Registered 09-11-2011

2011/07499/PA The Old Hall Moseley Hall Hospital Alcester Road Birmingham B13 8JL Listed Building Consent for erection of 2 metre high fence adjacent to rear of the Old Hall Registered 01-11-2011

2011/07497/PA The Old Hall Moseley Hall Hospital Alcester Road Birmingham B13 8JL Erection of 2 metre high fence adjacent to rear of the Old Hall Registered 01-11-2011

2011/07479/PA The Old Church Hall Moseley Hall Hospital Alcester Road Birmingham B13 8JL Listed Buildings Consent for the erection of new 2 metre high fence to the rear of The Old Church Hall. Registered 01-11-2011

2011/06679/PA 10 Elizabeth Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8QJ Certificate of Lawfulness for a proposed dormer window to rear Registered 05-10-2011

2011/07336/PA 95 Billesley Lane Moseley Birmingham B13 9RB Erection of a single storey rear extension Registered 31-10-2011

2011/07388/PA 582 Moseley Road Birmingham B12 9AA Redesign the glass conservatory extension to rear to omit the hipped roof section and replace with gable end Registered 27-10-2011

2011/07289/PA 135 Russell Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8RS Erection of single storey rear detached building. Registered 28-10-2011

2011/07383/PA 582 Moseley Road Birmingham B12 9AA Redesign the glass conservatory extension to rear to omit the hipped roof section and replace with gable end Registered 27-10-2011

2011/06877/PA 108 Oxford Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9SQ Re-instatement of 2-flue chimney stack to the front elevation. Registered 11-10-2011

2011/07216/PA 140 Wheelers Lane Kings Heath Birmingham B13 0SG Erection of two storey side and single storey front extensions and installation of dormer window to rear elevation Registered 26-10-2011

2011/05740/PA 2 Oxford Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9EJ Change of use from hostel (C2) to single dwelling house (C3). Registered 26-08-2011

2011/07205/PA The Old Hall Block 4 Moseley Hall Hospital Alcester Road Birmingham B13 8JL Listed Buildings Consent for the construction of internal wall to create access corridor through existing room. Registered 24-10-2011

2011/06872/PA 148 Alcester Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8HS Alterations to front elevation to include new arch and new windows Registered 10-10-2011

2011/06030/PA St Agnes Church Colmore Crescent Moseley Birmingham B13 9SJ Display of information board in grounds of Church Registered 12-09-2011

2011/06891/PA 67 Valentine Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7AJ Erection of single storey side garage, new driveway and installation of dropped kerb. Registered 13-10-2011

2011/06798/PA 44 Goldsmith Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7EJ Erection of single storey rear extension Registered 11-10-2011

2011/06583/PA 21 Woodbridge Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8EJ Lawful Development Certificate for an existing use as a takeaway (Class Use A5) Registered 30-09-2011

2011/05776/PA Karistos Nursing Home 29 Chantry Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8DL Change of use from care home (C2) into a 7 bed single dwelling house (C3) Registered 31-08-2011

2011/06707/PA 40 Moorcroft Road Birmingham B13 8LX Erection of two storey side and single storey forward extension Registered 06-10-2011

2011/06567/PA 75 Station Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7SS Erection of single storey rear extension Registered 29-09-2011

2011/06149/PA 32 Chestnut Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9AH Erection of first floor rear extension and alterations to roof Registered 15-09-2011

2011/06681/PA 47 Goodby Road Birmingham B13 8RH Erection of 1.9 metre screen wall and 1.1 metre high balustrade to rear first floor Registered 05-10-2011

2011/05957/PA 120-138 High Street Birmingham B14 7LG Erection of canopy to front Registered 05-09-2011

2011/06712/PA 145 Alcester Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8JP Change of use to a car wash operation Registered 03-10-2011

2011/06166/PA 70 Blenheim Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9TZ Conversion of property from 3 flats into a single dwelling house and external alterations Registered 16-09-2011

2011/06672/PA 169 Alcester Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8JR Change of use of vacant buildings to retail (use class A1) and formation of new residential unit (use class C3). Registered 04-10-2011

2011/06471/PA 2-4 Woodbridge Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8EJ Change of use from retail (use class A1) to restaurant use (to form 2 x A3 units), installation of new shopfront, installation of extraction flue and erection of single storey extension to rear Registered 23-09-2011

2011/06290/PA 74 Salisbury Road The Dene Moseley Birmingham B13 8JU Erection of orangery to rear Registered 22-09-2011

2011/06307/PA 27 Merton Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9BX Erection of a single storey rear extension and installation of canopy to front. Registered 21-09-2011

2011/06283/PA 124-130 Anderton Park Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9DQ Application for prior notification of proposed demolition of single storey side extension. Registered 22-09-2011

2011/06256/PA 49 Billesley Lane Moseley Birmingham B13 9QT Reconstruction and extension of 2 no. existing tennis courts and installation of floodlighting. Registered 21-09-2011

2011/06125/PA 46 Belle Walk Moseley Birmingham B13 9DB Erection of first floor rear extension Final Decision 14-09-2011 Approve subject to Conditions

2011/05253/PA Maple Dene Care Home 10-14 St Agnes Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9PW Installation of solar panels Registered 08-08-2011

2011/05105/PA 8A Wake Green Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9EZ Change of use to from offices (B1) to Non Residential Institute (D1) Registered 02-08-2011

2011/04787/PA Midlands Art & Craft Centre Cannon Hill Park Birmingham B12 9QH Installation of solar panels to existing flat roof Registered 20-07-2011

2011/03480/PA 69-71 High Street Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7BH Change of use from Bingo Hall (use class D2) to retail (use class A1). Registered 01-06-2011

2011/03267/PA Former Jug of Ale PH 43 Alcester Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8AA Erection of two storey and single storey rear extensions, creation of new entrance to side, associated landscaping and various alterations and refurbishment in connection with use as a restaurant. Registered 23-05-2011

2011-11-03T20:26:00.001Z

Update on the re-erection of the Birmingham John F Kennedy memorial

Planning permission was today granted for new John F Kennedy memorial in Birmingham on the corner of Floodgate Street and High Street Deritend

Oliver Budd has now been given the go-ahead to start ordering the Smalti mosaic from Italy.

The target date for unveiling has now been agreed as 29th May 2012 – the 95th anniversary of the birth of John F Kennedy.

The quote for the right hand panel has been agreed as “A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on”. This quote was agreed by Oliver Budd and the Irish Welfare Information Centre.

The re-erection of the Kennedy memorial is being funded by Ballymore , the property developers behind the office development enabled by the new road layout at St Chad’s Circus.

2011-11-01T21:24:00.001Z

Update on Moseley Road baths –1^st November 2011

I attended a meeting this morning with the contractors who are presently working on re-opening Moseley Road baths. The good news is that we are still on target to re-open the swimming baths in mid to late January 2012.

In addition I successfully managed to persuade the Finance department to fund an addition £195,000 of work on the baths – more details on this in a bit

My last blog update was on 29^th September and can be seen at http://martinmullaney.blogspot.com/2011/09/update-on-moseley-road-baths-29-th.html

The contractors moved onto site on 17^th October and are on target to remove all the asbestos from the basement, from 25^th November.

From 25^th November, work will begin on installing the permanent structural scaffolding in the basement which will replace heavily corroded temporary scaffolding which is holding up large sections of the floor plate of the building. This work will take six weeks to complete. Taking into account the Christmas break, we anticipate work finishing mid-January and the baths re-opening.

The fire exit door from pool 2, which caused the closure of the pool last Christmas is now fully repaired.

The £195,000 additional funding for the baths, is broken down as follows:

£65,000 to install the permanent scaffolding in the basement from 25^th November onwards

£50,000 to prepare a Heritage Lottery bid for just over £5million for phase one of the works to restore these baths. Our objective for phase 1 is to stabilise the condition of the building, so that it is no longer deteriating. This would include remove the dry rot from the first floor and fixing any leaks in the roof.

£80,000 for ‘sticking plaster’ works to get the swimming baths through the next two years, in preparation for any restoration monies. We are arranging a meeting with English Heritage and our Conservation Officers in two weeks time to walk around the building and roof. What we want to do is plug up any roof leaks on pool 2, remove any vegetation growing out of brick work and install temporary plastic rainwater pipes where the original cast iron ones have vanished. Plus lead has been recently stolen from the roof, which will also need replacing.

2011-10-22T14:15:00.002+01:00

The Creation of the Birmingham Kennedy Memorial – by Kenneth Budd

Oliver Budd has kindly sent me copies of the notes his father, Kenneth Budd, made on the creation of the John F Kennedy memorial, unveiled in 1968 in St Chads Circus, Birmingham, England.

These notes have never been made public before and show the extraordinary efforts made by Father Maguire of St Catherine’s Church, Bristol Street, to raise the money to create this memorial and the thinking behind its design.

The notes are layout on 8 pages in his notebook and are transcribed below:

Original copies of the notes can be seen at http://www.flickr.com/photos/mullaney3/sets/72157627950893658/

From Pages 27 to 29 of Kenneth Budd’s notebook

“While we had been looking for a mosaic supplier we visited the Annual Building Exhibition at Olympia and met there a representative of an Irish mosaic company. On discovering our business he had offered to undertake the Horse Fair commission on our behalf, an offer which we declined.”

“We were surprised one day on site in Birmingham when this same Irishman appeared, strolling across Holloway Circus, obviously bursting to tell us some news. His firm had just been commissioned to produce a memorial to President Kennedy whose tragic assassination had so recently taken place. Furthermore, our Irish mosaicist was just off to the Civic Centre to meet the City Engineer in the hope of attaining more mosaic work in Birmingham. Although, not afraid of competition we rather resented his intrusion on what we considered was our pitch and wondered what we should hear next as he strode jauntily off towards Baskerville House. In the event we heard nothing and none of our friends from the Public Works Department seemed to know a Kennedy Memorial apart from the information that part of a new section of the Inner Ring Road near St Chads Cathedral might include a Kennedy Memorial Garden within its Interchange.”

“One morning Alan was collecting the weekly wages from the bank when he noticed a Catholic priest at the counter and felt instinctively that he might know something about the Kennedy memorial. Somewhat hesitantly he approached the made his enquiry. “It is strange you should ask” replied the priest “my name is Father Maguire and I am the Chairman of the Kennedy Memorial Committee; Last night we looked at some designs that had arrived from Ireland and were very disappointed with them. I’m not sure now how to proceed”. He then asked Alan why he was interested and Alan explained that we were producing the ‘Horse Fair’ mosaic. Holloway Circus was in fact only a stone’s throw from Father Maguire’s church , St Catherine’s, Bristol Street. “Would you be interesting in producing a design for a Kennedy memorial?” Father Maguire asked. Alan replied that he would have to discuss the matter with me.”

“It was arranged that providing I was interested, we would call at St Catherine’s that evening. We were welcomed by the housekeeper Miss McDonnerham and I was introduced to Father Maguire who explained the situation and outlined the Committees requirements.”

“He told us that the Mayor of Birmingham had launched a Memorial Fund shortly after John Kennedy’s assignation but had made little progress. The Irish community, somewhat incensed at this lack of response for a son of Old Ireland, asked if they might take over the fund raising. To this the Mayor readily agreed, but promised that the Corporation would provide a suitable site if the Catholic Committee raised the money and organised the memorial. Since then they had worked hard organising football pools, bingo, dances and other fund raising activities, all they required now was a suitable design.”

“We left the meeting with a ‘brief’ that was truly Irish and would have required acres of wall space to include all the “essential” items. It appeared though that the central theme should be Kennedys attempt to integrate the black and white communities, with some indication of the background of international strife, his Irish ancestry and family life.”

From Pages 34 to 38 of Kenneth Budd’s notebook

“But now I had to get down to designing the Kennedy Memorial and the ‘Old Square’ bas-relief. “

“Dorothy McCulla once again helped me with my research and eventually both designs were ready to take to Birmingham. Alan put on his lucky tie and once again we were driving up the M1 motorway. For presentation purposes I produced the Old Square design as a cold cast metal maquette and only removed this from the mould at the last minute. Consequently, I spent almost all the night in the hotel polishing away with Brasso, to have the maquette bright and shining for the Committee meeting the next day.”

“To help sell the Kennedy design I made a scale model showing how it would appear on site. The mosaic arc was to be footy feet long by ten high, flanked on either side by ten foot square green quartzite panels leaving suitable inscriptions. On the left a dedication to John F Kennedy and on the right a suitable quotation from one of his speeches. I recollected reading somewhere, something along the lines of ....”There are no white or coloured signs on the grave yards of battle” and included this on my model to indicate that a suitable inscription should be chosen to occupy that area. However the Catholic Committee insisted that my inscription was fine and they wouldn’t have it altered. In any case they argued I must have read it in one of Kennedy’s books. Later I spent hours trying to find it again but never succeeded. By now it’s completely authentic. The outcome of Birmingham visit was doubly successful and 1967 found us with two murals to produce.”

“Towards the end of the Horse Fair project, Mr McMorran, Head of the Special Works Department had also invited us to consider decorating the retaining wall in St Chads Circus with a mural. This wall partly surrounded the site designated for the Kennedy Memorial and I realsied the importance of designing both works to be complementary to each other. “

“At this time Alan became busily involved with his Joinery works and so I undertook prefabrication of the Kennedy mosaic single handed. During its production, Pathe made a film in our workshop which was shown on the National circuit in the Pathe Pictorial Series. We heard that Jacqueline Kennedy, John’s widow, was shortly to visit this country and invited her to see work in progress on Birmingham’s memorial to her husband. This invitation, however, was graciously declined.”

“I had given much thought to the ten foot square panels wondering how the inscription could be cut. During a coach outing, when a party from my Oxted church visited the Birmingham murals, someone mentioned that a relation of theirs was a well known letter cutter, his name Michael Seymore. Alan had recently visited the Building Centre in London and was impressed by the quality of lettering on an inscribe stone tablet; the name of the craftsman was Michael Seymore. We found that Michael was living only a few streets away from our Penge workshop. He seemed interested in the problem of cutting quartzite panels, so we went ahead and ordered the stone. It was a green valley quartzite from Yugoslavia and we purchased it through Frayley’s in Birmingham. When it arrived it proved unsuitable for conventional chisel cut lettering and Michael drew the letters and cut stencils for grit blasting the inscription. He also cut a commemoration stone for the unveiling ceremony.”

“While I was prefabricating the Kennedy mosaic Alan made the wooden frames for the old Square clay moulds. These had to be exact segments of the site walls curvature. We laid the clay into these timber frames and cut negative moulds incorporating ‘mirror writing’ inscriptions. The Old Square bas-relief was divided into four interlocking pieces for ease of transportation and fixing. The clay mould was next covered with a ‘release’ wax and the brass and lead.”

“By June 1968, the Kennedy mosaic was ready and fix on site, I resisted the Irish Committees suggestion that a space should be made to insert a memorial to john’s brother, Robert Kennedy, but at the last moment did completely re-mosaic John Kennedy’s own head. The US Embassy had lent me a number of portrait photographs and these depicted three basically different JFKs. I attempted to combine them in a single head with the added complication that its position in the centre of the mural resulted in maximum distribution from the convex wall. The setting provided by the Corporation consisted of the convex mural wall on which we were about to fix the work. In front of the this and running its full length was a water feature fed by a waterfall which cascaded down a small rockery at the left hand end. We were assisted on site once again by Alan’s father, Harvey Kemp and brother, Don. To store our materials an unopened public convenience was made available in lieu of a site hut and in this we also brewed our ‘elevenses’ and consumed our refreshments. This period on site in 1968, coincided with the phenomenon of the Sahara Sand Storms when the hot sky rained red dust covering everything. The Kennedy memorial was unveiled by the Lord Mayor Alderman Charles Simpson and the Irish Ambassador Mr John Molloy on Monday July 8^th 1968.”

“After the ceremony, refreshments were served in St Chad’s Cathedral Hall. But unknown to Alan and myself, the Mayor had also arranged a Civic lunch for the dignitaries present who included, as well as the Irish Ambassador, the American Consul General and his wife and the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Birmingham. When this distinguished company arrived at the Town Hall and had seated themselves for lunch, Father Maguire asked “where the Mr Budd and Mr Kemps?” On being told that we were not invited he was extremely annoyed and insisted that we be found and brought to the lunch before it commenced. So while we were enjoying a veal pie salad and a pint in a nearby hostelry, the Mayors Secretary was combing the streets of Birmingham in the Mayoral limousine. He never found is, but I believe they had their lunch eventually.”

2011-10-20T16:40:00.000+01:00

Permission sought for new John F Kennedy memorial in Birmingham

A planning application has been submitted to re-erect the President John F Kennedy memorial in Digbeth, Birmingham. The target date for unveiling has now been agreed as 29^th May 2012 – the 95^th anniversary of the birth of John F Kennedy.

The new location for the re-erecting of the John F Kennedy memorial is on the corner of Digbeth High Street and Floodgate Street. The planning application number is 2011/06383/PA.

I attended a meeting on Tuesday 18^th October to finalise the design of the memorial, which I will explain in detail later in this note. At the meeting was Oliver Budd, son of Kenneth Budd who designed the 1968 memorial, a representative from the Irish Welfare Information Centre and various Council officers.

The History of the memorial

The memorial was originally located in the middle of St Chad’s Circus traffic roundabout in Birmingham city centre, next to the Roman Catholic cathedral of St Chad’s.

Originally unveiled on 8^th July 1968 the memorial cost £5000, raised solely by public donation through the Birmingham Irish Catholic Committee..

The memorial remains one of only two in the United Kingdom dedicated to the memory of former President John F Kennedy. The other memorial is at Runnymede off the River Thames .

Whilst the Runnymede Kennedy memorial is widely known, the Birmingham Kennedy memorial has been largely forgotten. It is hoped the new high profile location in Digbeth will change that.

In hindsight, the St Chads Circus location was never suitable. It was hidden low down in the middle of a busy traffic roundabout, where the only way pedestrians could see it was by walking down some very dark and imitating pedestrian subways. For car drivers, it was only viewable by a quick sideways and downwards glance as you drove around St Chads Circus.

The original Birmingham memorial consisted of a number of elements, these being:

A 12metre long by 3metre high mosaic designed by Kenneth Budd (1925 – 1995) – I’ll provide further details on this mosaic below.
Two 2.55metre wide by 3metre high panels at either end of the Kenneth Budd mosaic. The panels were made of green quartzite stone. The panel at the left side of the mosaic (as seen if facing the mosaic) said “In tribute to John F Kennedy, President of the United States 1960-3”. The panel at the other end of the mosaic said "There are no white or coloured signs on the graveyards of battle". This quote was chosen by Kenneth Budd from memory and according to his notes subsequently could never find evidence of the actual quote. The actual quote is “there are no white or colored signs on the foxholes or graveyards of battle.” – so he was pretty close. The quote reflected the central theme of the mosaic of Kennedy’s attempt to integrate the black and white communities in the USA.
In front of the mosaic, was a still water feature which stretched the width of the mosaic. The water feature represented the Atlantic Ocean. The either end of the water feature was a small rockery which represented America and the British Isles.

The Kenneth Budd mosaic is the most important feature of this memorial. The mosaic contained the image of President John F Kennedy surrounded by a crowd of people of all creeds. Two of the faces in this crowd are Martin Luther King and Senator Edward Kennedy. Behind President Kennedy are images that represent parts of his Presidency. These include:

The United States Presidential Seal
The Cuban Crisis
His wife and First Lady, Jackie Kennedy

The central theme of the mosaic according to Kenneth Budd “should be Kennedy’s attempt to integrate the black and white communities, with some indication of the background of international strife, his Irish ancestry and family life.”

The mosaic was created in Kenneth Budd’s studio in Penge, South London. A full-scale drawing of the memorial was first created and hung on one of the walls of the studio. To get the pose of President Kennedy correct, Kenneth created a two thirds scale clay replica of Kennedy’s head. Both the model and drawing still exist in the studio, which is now run by his son Oliver in East Sussex.

Once the drawing of the mosaic was finalised it was protected with a polythene sheet and aluminium mesh was put over the drawing. The Smalti mosaic, imported from Italy, were then applied to the mesh with a flexible adhesive. Once completed, the aluminium mesh, complete with the mosaic was transported to St Chad’s Circus, Birmingham, where it was fixed to the walls.

The dismantling of the memorial in 2007

The entire memorial was dismantled in 2007, when St Chads Circus was reconstructed to form a ‘surface level only’ road junction.

The only parts of the Kennedy memorial that were salvaged were:

The face of President Kennedy
The face of Martin Luther King
Five faces from the crowd scene
The two green quartzite stone panels are either end of the mosaic.

Such small amounts of the mosaic were salvaged, since it was agreed with Oliver Budd, that it was easier and more cost effective to only salvage a small part of the mosaic. Oliver has the original drawings used by his father and will be able to make an exact replica of the 1968 mosaic.

The new Kennedy memorial in Digbeth

The new location for the memorial is at surface level, on top of a 1.5metre high plinth, easily viewable to pedestrians and car drivers. It is also a very high profile location, on one of major throughfares into the city centre. It is also in the city’s Irish Quarter and directly across the road from Birmingham Irish Centre.

The Kenneth Budd mosaic will be recreated exactly as it was in 1968.

The decision has been made not to re-used the original green quartzite stone panels are either end of the mosaic, but instead created new metal bookends. This decision has been agreed with Oliver Budd based on the following:

The total weight of the original green quartzite stone panels is 1.5 metic tonnes. There is concern that the bridge that the memorial is on will require strengthening to take this weight.
The original panels were designed as tombstones, with writing carved into stonework, since people were still mourning the death of John F Kennedy in 1968. The mood is now different and we are reflecting on the life of John F Kennedy.
The Irish community were not happy with the "There are no white or coloured signs on the graveyards of battle" quote, since it reflected more about what was happening in the USA in 1968, than on how the Irish community in Britain felt.

The following has been agreed:

The plinth will be constructed of stainless steel, with sections bolted on. The middle section will have engraved onto it an interpretation panel of the mosaic. At each end of the plinth will be a ‘Birmingham Irish roll of fame’ where Birmingham residents of Irish origin will be remembered.

The two new bookends will be constructed of corten steel, with the lettering cut out. The lettering will be highlighted in one of two ways to be finalised: stainless steel as a back plate, or an illuminated back screen

The letter on the left hand panel (as seen if facing the mosaic) will say “In tribute to John F Kennedy, President of the United States 1960-3”.

The quote for the right hand panel will contain a quote from one of John F Kennedy’s speeches and will be finalised by the Irish Welfare Information Centre. There is a debate ongoing as to whether the original quote "There are no white or coloured signs on the graveyards of battle" is still relevant.

The re-erection of the Kennedy memorial is being funded by Ballymore , the property developers behind the office development enabled by the new road layout at St Chad’s Circus.

2011-09-29T19:29:00.000+01:00

Update on Moseley Road baths –29^th September 2011

I attended a meeting this afternoon with the contractors who will shortly start working on re-opening Moseley Road baths. The good news is that we are still on target to re-open the swimming baths in mid-January 2012.

My last blog update was on 25^th August and can be seen at http://martinmullaney.blogspot.com/2011/08/update-on-moseley-road-baths-25th.html

The contractors will move onto site on 17^th October and spend six weeks removing all asbestos from the basement. End date is 25^th November.

On top of this work, I have successfully bid for money from the Council’s corporate centre to do the following:

£50,000 to prepare a Heritage Lottery bid for just over £5million for phase one of the works to restore these baths.

£80,000 for ‘sticking plaster’ works to get the swimming baths through the next two years, in preparation for any restoration monies. The ‘sticking plaster’ works have still to be finalised, but we hope these will include minor roof repair works, installation of missing rainwater guttering and a boiler service.

2011-09-18T19:37:00.000+01:00

Planning Applications in Moseley & Kings Heath Ward that are still live– Sunday 18^th September 2011

These are applications, where no decision has been made and residents can still comment on.

Drawings and further details on each of these planning application is available on-line at http://eplanning.birmingham.gov.uk/Northgate/PlanningExplorer/ApplicationSearch.aspx

If you wish to comment on any of these applications, you do this by the following means

e-mailing to planning@birmingham.gov.uk

telephoning (planning will accept comments on planning application over the telephone) 303 1115 – please remember to quote the planning application number you are commenting on

post to Planning Management, Birmingham City Council, PO Box 28, Birmingham B1 1TU

2011/05963/PA 127 Russell Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8RS Erection of rear single storey detached building. Registered 08-09-2011

2011/05756/PA 41 Westfield Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7SX Erection of single storey extension and installation of dormer to rear. Registered 24-08-2011

2011/05253/PA Maple Dene Care Home 10-14 St Agnes Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9PW Installation of solar panels Registered 08-08-2011

2011/05569/PA 127 Russell Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8RS Installation of new front driveway Registered 22-08-2011

2011/05775/PA 10 Cambridge Road Kings Heath Birmingham B13 9UD Erection of single storey rear extension. Registered 31-08-2011

2011/05766/PA Plot 1 Rear of 33 Grove Avenue Moseley Birmingham B13 9RX Erection of 1 no. 5 bedroom detached dwelling Registered 30-08-2011

2011/05744/PA 140 Wheelers Lane Kings Heath Birmingham B13 0SG Erection of first floor rear and side extension, single storey front extension & installation of dormer window to rear. Registered 30-08-2011

2011/05585/PA 1 Lench's Close Moseley Birmingham B13 9EY Non Material Minor amendment attached to planning approval 2011/02939/PA omitting the first floor dormer window and lift and ground floor amended to incorporate a Manager's Office Registered 22-08-2011

2011/02646/PA Shilpa Medical Centre 1C Ashfield Avenue Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7AT Change of use from surgery (Use Class D1) to residential. Erection of one/one and a half storey extensions to existing buildings to provide 11 additional flats to existing 4. Registered 27-04-2011

2011/05106/PA 8A Wake Green Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9EZ Listed Building Consent for change of use to from offices (B1) to Non Residential Institute (D1) Registered 02-08-2011

2011/05105/PA 8A Wake Green Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9EZ Change of use to from offices (B1) to Non Residential Institute (D1) Registered 02-08-2011

2011/05338/PA 33 Prospect Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9TB Erection of first floor rear extension Registered 08-08-2011

2011/05563/PA 26 Grange Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7RJ Erection of single storey extension Registered 16-08-2011

2011/05446/PA 143 High Street Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7DG Display of 2 no. non- illuminated fascia signs & 1 no. non illuminated projecting sign. Registered 16-08-2011

2011/05381/PA 135 Russell Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8RS Erection of single storey rear detached outbuilding. Registered 11-08-2011

2011/05360/PA 10 Elizabeth Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8QJ Erection of two storey rear extension and loft conversion with dormer windows. Registered 11-08-2011

2011/05288/PA 152 Springfield Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7DX Erection of two storey side and single storey rear extension Registered 09-08-2011

2011/05261/PA 29 King Edward Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8HR Erection of single storey side & rear extension & installation of 1 No. dormer to rear. Registered 08-08-2011

2011/05217/PA 12 Ashfield Avenue Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7AT Erection of single storey extension to rear to form kitchen Registered 05-08-2011

2011/05019/PA 108 Church Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9AA Listed Building Consent for erection of single storey rear extension, internal alterations and installation of rear dormer window Registered 28-07-2011

2011/05017/PA 108 Church Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9AA Erection of single storey rear extension, internal alterations and installation of rear dormer window Registered 28-07-2011

2011/04787/PA Midlands Art & Craft Centre Cannon Hill Park Birmingham B12 9QH Installation of solar panels to existing flat roof Registered 20-07-2011

2011/05165/PA Moseley Hall Hospital Alcester Road Birmingham B13 8JL Stonework repairs to the existing entrance portico of Old Hall. Registered 29-07-2011

2011/04651/PA 14 Dyott Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9QY Erection of single storey side and rear extension Registered 13-07-2011

2011/05005/PA Park Hill Primary School Alcester Road Birmingham B13 8HS Installation of artificial surface sports pitch with the erection of fenced enclosure on existing grass area Registered 26-07-2011

2011/04232/PA 72 Moorcroft Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8LU Erection of two storey rear and single storey front extensions Registered 29-06-2011

2011/02646/PA Shilpa Medical Centre 1C Ashfield Avenue Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7AT Erection of 1.5 stoery extension to existing single storey element and change of use from surgery (Use Class D1) to 11 no. flats in addition to existing 4 no. flats. Registered 27-04-2011

2011/04113/PA 120-126 Alcester Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8EE Application for variation of conditions 1-10 (inclusive) and 18 attached to planning approval 2010/04473/PA Registered 23-06-2011

2011/03480/PA 69-71 High Street Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7BH Change of use from Bingo Hall (use class D2) to retail (use class A1). Registered 01-06-2011

2011-09-15T13:54:00.002+01:00

Moseley and Kings Heath win Gold in Heart of England awards

Excellent news from the Heart of England Awards in Wolverhampton! Moseley in Bloom, Kings Heath floral trail and Birmingham have all won Gold. Kings Heath Floral Trail and Birmingham will be representing the Midlands region the national finals next year.

Congratulations to the volunteers in Moseley in Bloom and Kings Heath Floral trail

Moseley in Bloom are in the national finals this year representing the midlands region and will hear its result next week. The Heart of England judges normally prefer to alternate the representatives in the national final, so Moseley in Bloom were not eligible to go forward to the national finals next year.

Winners from the national finals, represent Britain in the European competition.

The full results were:

Birmingham was awarded gold in the Large City category, was named Overall Winner of the Large City category AND was named Overall Winner of the Heart of England in Bloom 2011
competition

Birmingham will be representing the Midlands region in the 2012 national Britain in Bloom finals in the Large City category

Tim Oakes from Birmingham City Council Parks and Gardens was awarded a Discretionary Award

Moseley in Bloom was awarded Gold and Urban Community Category Winner

Kings Heath Floral Trail was awarded Gold in the Urban Community category and will be representing the Midlands region in the 2012 national Britain in Bloom finals in the Urban Community category.

2011-09-10T11:34:00.005+01:00

Restoration of Highbury Hall gardens presentation
Highbury trusts-and-charities-presentation

View more presentations from Martin Mullaney

On 7th September, I presented the above PowerPoint presentation to the Trusts and Charities Committee of Birmingham City Council. The objective of my presentation was to update the Committee on work that I have been doing recently to restore the former ornate gardens of Highbury Hall. I have been doing this work in both my roles as Cabinet member for Leisure, Sport and Culture, and as Chair of the Heritage Strategic Planning Committee.

In my role as Cabinet member for Leisure, Sport and Culture, I have responsibility for the day-to-day maintenance of the parts of the Highbury Trust land that the public have access to as part of the much bigger Highbury Park.

As Chair of the Heritage Strategic Planning Committee, this Committee has responsibility for prioritises where the restoration of the Highbury Hall and Gardens sit within the much wider Council Heritage Strategy.

The Heritage Strategic Planning Committee was set up in 2006, with the aim of making sure that all parts of the Council were working together when submitting bids for heritage projects either to outside bodies or internally within the Council.

The Committee contains a wide range of Council Officers, including the following representatives:

Cllr Peter Douglas Osborn, as Chair of Planning
Cllr John Alden, as Chair of Trusts and Charities Committee
A representative from the Birmingham Victorian Society
A representative from the Birmingham Heritage Forum
A representative from English Heritage

With regards to Highbury Hall and its gardens, the restoration of both Hall and gardens is in the top 10 heritage priority projects for Birmingham City Council.

Coming to the slides.

If you go to slide 2 of 46, you will see highlighted in green, Highbury Park

Slide 3 of 46, shows the section of Highbury Park that is in the Highbury Trust. Notice that about half of the Highbury Trust land is not accessible to the public. This contains Highbury Hall and the 1940 Chamberlain House. Chamberlain House was built as a military hospital.

The Highbury Trust land is the original complete estate of Highbury Hall.

If you go to slide 4 of 46, this zooms into the Highbury Trust land, which were the original Highbury Hall estate from 1879 to 1932.

In 1932, the Highbury Trust land was bequeathed to the City Council, which in turn began the process of accumulating further land to the south to create what we now know as Highbury Park.

Before we move onto the next slide, I need to explain the importance of Highbury Hall and its gardens. Highbury Hall was built for Joseph Chamberlain MP. Joseph Chamberlain was one of the most influential politicians in Birmingham and Britain in the late 19th century. Indeed, he is described by many, as the founder of modern Birmingham.

Two of his sons, both born and raised in Highbury Hall, had successful careers as politicians. Neville Chamberlain would go on to become Prime Minister from 1937 to 1940. Whilst Austen Chamberlain would receive a Nobel Peace Prize in 1925.

I don’t wish to go into further detail here on the lives of these three great men, suffice to say that a quick Google on any of their names will bring up numerous websites about their lives.

Slide 5 of 46, shows the original ponds of the Highbury Hall gardens that still exist.

Slide 6 of 46, shows the original buildings of the Highbury Hall estate that still exist. Notice that you have a Farm Bailiffs House on the eastern boundary of the estate. This contained the farmer who maintained the dairy farm that existed to its immediate south. We will see photos of the remains of that dairy farm in later slides.

Slide 7 of 46, shows the first of two phases of planting that Joseph Chamberlain did on his estate. Much of this planting still exists, although since the Council stopped maintaining these gardens in the early 1970s, much of this planting is now overgrown. Also, remember that the gardens contained a mixture of formal landscapes AND rural landscapes that would reflect the nearby Warwickshire countryside.

Slide 8 of 46, shows the second of two phases of planting by Joseph Chamberlain. Notice the addition of the more formal Italian, Dutch and Rock gardens.

Slide 9 of 46, shows the awful planting schemes of the early 1990s that destroyed many historic landscapes. By the early 1990s, the Council had given up on maintaining this park and had decided it would be converted into a low maintenance forest. Totally unsuitable trees, such as the Australian section, were planted, which completely destroyed the heritage and character of these gardens.

Any restoration of these gardens, will have to deal with the thorny issue of what to do with the 1990s planting – should it stay or should it go?

Slide 10 of 46 is the Highbury Trust now.

In the following slides, I want to show what physical features still exist from the original Highbury Hall gardens.

Slides 11 and 12 of 46 show the location and photograph of the Angry Wall.

The Angry Wall, sometimes known as either the Hate Wall or Crucible Wall, has considerable folklore attached to it. The folklore is worth repeating. How much of it true is unknown, since little historical research on the origins of this wall exists.

The folklore behind the Angry Wall is that it was constructed by Joseph Chamberlain to annoy his next door neighbour Richard Cadbury in Uffculme Hall….and Cadbury chocolate fame. At the time Joseph Chamberlain was leader of the Birmingham Conservative Unionists, whilst Richard Cadbury was leader of the Birmingham Liberal Party. It would be comparable in the modern day to having Cllr Mike Whitby and Cllr Sir Albert Bore living next door to each other.

Joseph Chamberlain was well known for his support of military campaigns, whilst Richard Cadbury was a pacifist. So as to annoy his pacifist neighbour, Joseph Chamberlain constructed this wall using concrete moulds of artillery shells. Every morning, when Richard Cadbury had his morning tea, he would see this 18 foot high, 30 yard long wall of artillery shells.

I am sure that some basic research, may completely demolish this folklore. However, you cannot escape the unusual construction of this wall, which does consist of individual concrete moulds that look exactly like artillery shells that you would insert in modern cannons.

If you look at the photo in slide 12 of 46, you can see to the right of the Angry Wall, a track. This track runs from Queensbridge Road, to the side of the Farm Baliff House and down to the long demolished Dairy Farm.

Which leads us neatly onto slides 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 of 46. These slides show the fantastic work that the Friends of Highbury Park have been recently doing in excavating the floors of the former Dairy Farm. The Dairy Farm was used from 1932 until the mid-1980s as a storehouse for the Council’s Parks department. Sadly in the mid-1980s a fire completed destroyed these farm buildings and they were demolished. All the bricks from the demolition were left on site and the entire area covered in a thin layer of soil.

The Friends of Highbury Park have been excavating this site; piling up the bricks. It would be wonderful, if at a later date, we could re-construct some of these Farm buildings using these original bricks.

Slides 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 of 46 show the Viewing Platform. It was from this platform that Joseph Chamberlain could stand and view all of his ornate gardens, down to the main lake and across to the Henbury farm estate.

As slides 21, 22 and 23 show this historic feature completely demolished in mid-August by a group of parents urging on their teenage sons to push over the stone work and smash it to pieces with other rocks.

Both David Papadopolus of the Friends of Highbury Park and myself went down with two wheel barrels and salvaged as many of the stones as possible and hid them elsewhere in the park. I’m now trying to find the money to restore this Viewing Platform.

Slides 24,25 and 26 show the location of the Sun Dial and its remains. The brick base is still there, with a self seeding sycamore growing were the sun dial once was.

Slides 27 and 28 show the Italian Gardens. Notice in the original photo of the gardens, the pergola. This was demolished in the year 2000.

Slides 29 and 30 shows the Rock Garden. Notice the terracotta balustrade that runs up the steps and along the boundary with the Italian Garden. This balustrade has been slowly demolished by vandalism over the last 20 years and only a small section now survives. As part of the restoration of the Italian Gardens, we would recreate this terracotta balustrade.

Slide 31 is self explanatory – “What Next?”

Slide 32 and 33 of 46 shows that the intention is to restore the Highbury Hall Gardens by 2014. This would coincide with the 100th anniversary of the death of Joseph Chamberlain.

Slides 34, 35, 36 and 37 show that one avenue of funding for their restoration is the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). However, three reports are required for the HLF. These are:
· A Historic Landscape Survey. This was done in 2009 and funded by some Section 106 monies. This report looked at the entire Highbury Park; explained its history; showed what original features and landscapes still exist and the importance of them from a national context.

A restoration plan – this would show what’s needed to be restored, including planting schemes. It would also calculate how much the restoration would cost

A 10 year management plan – what the restored gardens would require over 10 years and how much it would cost.

Slides 38, 39 and 40 show that representatives from the Heritage Lottery Fund were shown around the gardens in November 2010.

In July 2011, I managed to secure £25k from Corporate Finance to fund the preparation of the Restoration plan, the 10 year management and the HLF bid.

The HLF have already asked us to submit the restoration of the Italian Gardens in November 2011. We already have designs and costs for this bid.

Slides 41 and 42 of 46 shows that I am presently bidding for £20k from Corporate Finance to restore the Viewing Platform this autumn. Also, our intention is to submit the HLF bid for the restoration of these gardens in 2012.

Slides 43, 44 and 45 of 46 show that we have been talking to the National Trust, who have expressed an interest in being involved in the restoration of these gardens. We will be showing representatives of the National Trust around these gardens in late September.

2011-08-25T16:40:00.001+01:00

Update on Moseley Road baths –25th August 2011

The date for the re-opening of Moseley Road baths has been put back to the New Year, following the discovery of large amounts of loose asbestos in the basement area.

My last blog update was on 25th July and can be seen at http://martinmullaney.blogspot.com/2011/07/update-on-moseley-road-baths-25-th-july.html

The following is a brief update on where we are with re-opening Pool 2.
• Pool 2 closed in December 2010, after it was found that the steel lintel above the fire exit in this pool was corroded so much, that it was in danger of collapsing and pulling down the wall and roof above it.
• This lintel has now been replaced with a stainless steel lintel
• While the new lintel was being inserted, the Council’s Health and Safety team inspected the basement and raised serious concerns about the structural integrity of a series of temporary metal props holding up the ground floor plate, which in turn were holding up the roof. The Health and Safety team insisted that these should be replaced with permanent props.
• Before work could begin on installing these permanent props, the Health and Safety team designated the basement as a ‘confined working area’ and put in a wholes series of stringent working conditions, including an asbestos survey.

The asbestos survey was completed in mid-August and confirms that there are substantial amounts of loose Amosite and Chrysotile asbestos in the basement. Both types of asbestos are the most hazardous type of asbestos. Bits of gasket containing asbestos and flaks of rust covered in asbestos material have over the years laid on the floor of the basement. During that time, the basement has flooded several times, with the loose asbestos spreading throughout the basement, mixed in with other debris.

Below are photos from the asbestos report showing gaskets and flaks of rust lying on the basement floor that contain Chrysotile asbestos.

All this asbestos needs to be removed, before the work on installing the permanent props begins.

The cost of removing the asbestos will be £80,000 and adds 10 weeks to the programme. We hope to have the money signed off next week and with the installation of the permanent prop, we expect pool 2 to be open after Christmas 2011, subject to no further problems being found.

I have enquired as to whether we need to do any more asbestos surveys in the rest of the building. I am assured that over the years all other parts of Moseley Road baths have had asbestos surveys and the basement was the only section not to have been surveyed.

I have also asked for the Asbestos survey for the basement to be checked to see if it can be made public on request. I hope to have an answer on this next week. Please let me know if you wish to be e-mailed a copy.

2011-08-22T18:55:00.002+01:00

One of Highbury Parks historic features completely demolished by vandals

One of Highbury Parks historic features was completely demolished last week by vandals. I have spent this afternoon with David Papadopoulos of the Friends of Highbury Park, salvaging what we can of this feature.

The historic feature that was damaged is the Viewing Platform up near Highbury Hall. It was created in 1890 and it was from this platform that Joseph Chamberlain was able to view his ornate gardens of Highbury Hall, looking down to the main pond that still exists today.

The Viewing Platform was completely demolished last Thursday between 4pm and 5pm. The ornate stonework of the platform was knocked over onto the ground, then pushed over the edge of a rocky outcrop, smashing into tiny pieces on impact.

A member of the Friends of Highbury Park witnessed this vandalism and described the group as all male, containing a small number of 40 to 50 year old men, who were encouraging teenage boys to smash up the stonework. When the member of the Friends group approached the group, he was swore at and threatened.

Both David Papadopoulos and myself have move the smash stonework to another side of the park, until we can find permanent storage.

The timing of this vandalism has been terrible, since I was busy finding money to fully restore this viewing platform this Autumn and this has significantly increased that cost. Some of the stone blocks are re-usable, but there are lot that will require complete replacing.

Photographs of the wreckage can be seen at http://highburyparkfriends.org.uk/images/photo/2011/08/21/

2011-07-25T20:49:00.000+01:00

Update on aggressive street drinkers and nuisance beggars in Moseley

Last Wednesday, 20^th July, I met with the local Safer Communities Officer who is dealing with the issue of aggressive street drinkers and nuisance beggars in Moseley shopping centre. This is a report back from that meeting.

Birmingham Community Safety Partnership & West Midlands Police are working
jointly to tackle this issue. Since May there has been a noticeable increase in anti-social behaviour by street drinkers and beggars in Moseley shopping centre. This is due to a number of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBO) on street drinkers coming to an end since May.

The police are presently collecting evidence on 13 individuals in preparation for the issuing of ASBO’s on these individuals. At the end of June, all these individuals were handed letters informing them that evidence was now being collected in preparation for new ASBO’s. Also the police have provided each individual with details of services that they can access to help them come off their alcohol/drug addiction. The police will continue to provide them with this information, since any judge issuing an ASBO will want to see evidence that less draconian measures other than an ASBO have been investigated.

What the police need from the community is evidence of anti-social behaviour or harassment by these or other individuals.

The police are happy to collect statements from residents either from their homes or from pre-arranged meetings at Woodbridge Road police station.

Examples of anti-social behaviour that the police can take action against include:

threats of violence,
swearing or threatening language at members of the public,
urinating or defecating in a public space
intimidatory begging (ie demanding money and following you down the street still demanding money),
implied threats (eg sitting next to the cash point and asking for money as you are withdrawing money),
selling the Big Issue without permission (we have a number of individuals doing this. Any Big Issue seller needs an id badge and is given a pitch by the Big Issue organisation. The Big Issue organisation work towards helping the individual stabilise their lives. Non-authorised sellers by-pass this help and have been known to bully authorised Big Issue sellers )
selling items without a street license (we have a problem with individuals selling liquid cigarette lighters without a street license and harassing members of the public)

If you have witnessed any of the above or other examples of anti-social behaviour by street drinkers or beggars in Moseley, please contact our Community Safer Partnership officers, Jonathan Antill or Oliver Humpidge to arrange a visit/appointment on 0121 303 3191 or via:
jonathan.antill@birmingham.gov.uk & oliver.humpidge@birmingham.gov.uk

Also, can I remind readers that my on-line survey on this issue is still active and can be accessed at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TC75LVV. It only takes two minutes to fill in. Honest!

2011-07-25T16:52:00.000+01:00

Update on Moseley Road baths –25^th July 2011

First of all the last six weeks dealing with the works to re-open of Pool 2 of Moseley Road baths have been utterly frustrating for me.... and I am sure that the Urban Design team of the City Council now have a nervous twitch whenever they see my name, since I am asking for updates every few days.

If you read my last update on 8^th June – see http://martinmullaney.blogspot.com/2011/06/update-on-moseley-road-baths-8-th-june.html - you will note that we were hoping to have pool 2 open to the public by 15^th July. Subsequent to this update, our Health and Safety team inspected the basement of Moseley Road baths and have designated it as a ‘confined work area’, which requires an of onerous level of work conditions. It is in this basement that new permanent scaffolding needs to be inserted to hold up sections of the floor, which in turn holds up the roof.

The list of conditions that Health and Safety have set is as follows:

Before the main project works begin –

The basement area needs to be surveyed. There are a number of areas that pose a substantial risk of tripping/ falling. These areas should be covered over. The use of barriers may not be practical.
An agreed travel route around the basement should be clearly designated and marked, avoiding pipework where possible.
Any waste should be removed or relocated to free up working space
The pipes should be surveyed with high hazard pipes clearly marked eg high temp water pipes
Assure yourself that no asbestos is in the working area.
Improve lighting provision
Improve ventilation provision
Seek assurances from building management that there will be no ingress of noxious gases, eg sewer gases or chlorine gas from the pool processes or any decaying sewer pipes into the basement.
You should treat this basement as a confined space and ensure a rescue plan is in place should someone get injured. Dragging a prone body over the pipes is not going to be easy.
Modify the chute scaffold access point as an alternative means of escape,
Agree a system to ensure this is always available whilst work takes place.
The external area should be kept secure and managed.
Agree a fire watch system between the contractor and building management and a means of raising the alarm as there is no means of detecting a fire or a fire alarm system. Exit routes should be clearly marked.

When the works commence –

Contractor not to appoint tall operatives, the area is very cramped with low ceilings, this will cause some discomfort as in most areas operatives will have to work stooped. Tall operatives will struggle.
All operatives should be inducted onto site and given a familiarisation tour of the site and made aware of the site procedures.
There should be enough operatives to conduct the work without putting undue stress on the operatives due to the restricted nature of the working environment and the manual handling activities.
Operatives should be allowed and directed to take regular breaks outside of the basement.
A ready supply of drinking water should be available in the basement area.
No loneworking to take place.
There should be visible and permanent site supervision
Only one contracted activity at a time should take place in the basement due to its restricted nature.
There should be cooperation, coordination and active communication between all on site which includes building management.

The impact of these additional health and safety conditions is that the cost of this work has almost doubled from £55k to almost £100k. There have been a number of meetings between officers and the contractors to reduce this price as much as possible.

In preparation for work starting, an asbestos survey is taking place in the basement this week – I should have the results later this week.

If everything goes well, we hope to have the baths re-opened towards the end of September.

In the meantime, I’ve had my first meeting with officers to understand what a successful £5million bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund would mean for Moseley Road baths. It is clear that £5million would achieve alot, but wouldn’t completely restore the building. This £5million would need to be seen as reaching phase 1 of a much longer 10 year restoration.

As a recent of that meeting, our Council officers are doing a further piece of work to get a further understanding as to what condition and priority areas for restoration we would want to achieve at the end of phase 1.

2011-07-15T13:32:00.002+01:00

Survey on aggressive street drinking and begging in Moseley

I wonder if you could spend a few moments filling in a survey on the current state of aggressive street drinking and begging in Moseley shopping centre. The survey only takes about two minutes to fill in – see http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TC75LVV

To provide some background to this survey, if you regularly use Moseley shopping centre you may have noticed a sudden increase in aggressive street drinkers and beggars in the area since May.

Both Councillor Ernie Hendricks and myself have acted quickly to resolve this issue and worked closely with the local police. As a result, at the end of June, warning letters were issued to eleven individuals informing them that evidence was now being collected in preparation for the issuing of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) against them. I would like to give special thanks to our Moseley and Kings Heath street wardens who quickly identified the problem individuals and are now collecting evidence of anti-social behaviour.

Since the issuing of these warning letters, I have noticed a drop in anti-social behaviour by the street drinkers. I would like to know if you too have seen this reduction and what other problems you may have noticed with anti-social behaviour in Moseley and Kings Heath.

There are also further proposals to reduce the street drinkers’ presence in St Mary’s Church, on which I would like your views.

2011-07-13T16:52:00.001+01:00

Below is the text of the speech that I delivered at today's Leisure, Sport and culture Scrutiny Committee. Every twelve months, Cabinet members have to present themselves to the relevant Scrutiny Committee for questioning on the performance of this portfolio.

Leisure, Sport and Culture Scrutiny Committee

13 July 2011

Can I thank you for this opportunity to talk here at the Leisure, Sport and Culture Scrutiny Committee. It is 12 months since I last presented my report here and 7months since I presented my annual report to full Council.

As you well know, this portfolio is very broad in its responsibilities and if I were to go through every particular project we have or are working on we would be here for the next 2 hours.

So what I intend to do is just remind you of the many successes this portfolio has achieved since December 2010 and then I will open it out to questions.

First of all you will have seen last weekend, Alexander Stadium hosting the British leg of the Diamond League athletics event. The world’s fastest and best track and field athletes came here to Birmingham, for an event that was shown live on BBC2 and on TV screens across Europe and in the USA. An event which has won our city great praise from the athletes themselves and from the IAAF and again reinforced our position as a world leading event destination.

Yet it is less than 12 months ago that the Leader, myself and the Chief Executive of UK Athletics discussed the possibility of the Diamond League coming to Birmingham and Alexander Stadium being the head quarters of UK Athletics.

To satisfy the seating capacity requirement of Diamond League we have built a new stand, increasing the capacity of the stadium to 12,500 and in October this year UK Athletics and English Athletics will move their head quarter operations into the offices in the under croft of this new stand.

The event on Sunday was a complete sell out – selling more tickets than both the New York and Shanghai legs. Indeed, we had one of the most well attended Diamond League fixtures in the last twelve months.

The new stand looks fantastic and has been designed so that in the future we can increase the capacity of the stadium to 25,000 seats. Such a capacity would allow the stadium to host the European Athletics Championships – now held every two years and an event that Britain has never held. Also we could host the European Team Championships.

Continuing on the theme of running, in June we announced that we had reached a deal with Nova International – organisers of the Great North Run, the largest half marathon in the world – that the Birmingham Half Marathon would join the Great Run Series and become the Bupa Great Birmingham Run. This partnership should not be underestimated – Nova International has a fantastic reputation for organising and staging mass participation events and in order to encourage more of Birmingham’s residents to become more active we have set them a target to raise the number of runners in the Birmingham Half Marathon from 14,000 last year to 25,000 in 2013.

In June also, we opened the new BMX track at Perry Park – this track is now recognised as the best BMX track in Britain. Indeed, we already have both the Australian and US BMX Olympic teams enquiring as whether they can use this track as their training base in the run-up to the 2012 London Olympics.

Last year, the rebuilding of Harborne pool began. The first swimming pool to be built in Birmingham since 1990. This pool is still on target to open on 2^nd January next year and the procurement process has already begun to find a private operator to run this pool on the Council’s behalf. A procurement framework is also being prepared to find a private partner to design, build, operate and maintain a new Sparkhill pool, a report seeking approval will be presented to Cabinet at the end of this month. Together these show my commitment, supported by my Cabinet colleagues to the retention of community swimming pools in Birmingham.

I know that the issue of asset transfer is something that the Committee has asked me to talk about. As Cabinet Member for this portfolio, I have been very supportive of the idea of involving community groups, especially sports organisations, in the running of our various facilities. Indeed, I have taken a close look at how Sweden has managed to successfully work with voluntary groups to run facilities.

Our first such test of this Swedish model for community managed assets is taking place at an unattached playing field at Holford Drive in Perry Barr. Working closely with my Cabinet colleague, Cllr Les Lawrence, we advertised in the local press for sports and community groups who would be interested in working together to form a ‘Community Sports Hub’ to coordinate activity and eventually manage these playing fields under a Community Asset Transfer, the protocol for which was approved by Cabinet earlier this year.

Using Holford Drive as a pilot we are also working towards forming Community Sports Hubs at a number of unattached playing fields and a report to Cabinet later this summer seeking approval for a Community Asset Transfer at Holford Drive will lead the way for similar transfer at:

Spring Lane in Erdington
Holders Lane playing fields and pavilion in Moseley. This would most likely include the former Pebble Mill playing fields.
Belchers Lane playing fields.

The development of a Community Sports Hub/Community Asset Transfer at Belchers Lane playing fields is quite advanced. These playing fields have not being used since the 1970s. In 2003, the previous administration announced plans to build on these playing fields for a medical research facility, plus car parking for the hospital. Through discussions with the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust (Heartlands) it is quite clear that this medical research facility is not going happen and that planning restrictions would prevent the playing fields being merely used for car parking.

On that basis, both Cllr Lawrence and I have taken the initiative and worked closely with Waverley School and the English Cricket Board to put these playing fields back into use. Indeed, Waverley School proposed to create a cricket academy on part of the site, which will tap into the high level of enthusiasm for cricket in the Small Heath community and act as a feeder school for Warwickshire Cricket club.

Later this month, work will begin on laying out a new cricket pitch on these playing fields, ready for Summer 2013, when the cricket academy will open.

We know that the school will be inviting local sports group to join with them in running these new playing fields.

Finally, can I explain about the recent decision to sell off a thin sliver of open space to Asda at Barnes Hill. I do not take these decisions lightly, our open space is very important to me, local councillors and residents alike. However, I do believe that this was a unique opportunity to raise capital funding to reinvest in the local area, plus other key parks around the city such as Cannon Hill Park, Sutton Park, Kings Heath Park, Lickey Hills, Sheldon Country Park and Cofton Park.

I have worked closely with the local Councillors, who in turn have consulted with their residents as to whether they would find a financial investment in Woodgate Valley country park sufficient to compensate for the loss of this land.

As a result, we have, I believe reached an agreement which the residents of Barltey Green will find acceptable. In exchange for the sale of this land, the residents will see a considerable financial investment in the infrastructure of Woodgate Valley Country Park. These include:

The building of a sports changing room to the rear of the visitors centre. At the moment, football teams have to change in a class room used by schools and store room – this is not acceptable and in turn impacts on the users of the class room, especially when they find it covered in mud.
The enlargement and refurbishment of the toilets, plus the creation of a disabled toilet.
Repair of numerous paths, which during the winter become waterlogged and impassable.
Repair and improvement in the boundary fencing to stop travellers setting up camp on the site.
Improvements to the nearby pony trekking centre, including a disabled toilet and the construction of an indoor horse riding centre. This indoor centre will allow the trekking centre to operate throughout the winter, plus whenever it rains in the Summer.

As I said earlier this is a huge portfolio and this is just a taste of many of the achievement of this portfolio in the last seven months. I’m happy to take questions.

2011-07-10T20:59:00.000+01:00

Planning Applications in Moseley & Kings Heath Ward that have had a decision made since 22^nd May 2011

The planning applications

2007/07766/PA for Conversion and alterations to existing building and erection of single and two storey rear extension to create 4 apartments to extend the time limit for implementation Approve subject to Conditions

2011/02992/PA 30 St Albans Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9AS Erection of single storey rear extension. Approve subject to Conditions

2011/02438/PA 19 St Marys Row Moseley Birmingham B13 8HW Installation of new access ramp to existing entrance Refused

2011/02760/PA 88 Church Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9AE Installation of 64 no. solar panels to roof Approve subject to Conditions

2011/01967/PA 17 Reddings Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8LW Erection of single storey rear extension Withdrawn

2011/02496/PA 21 Woodbridge Road Birmingham B13 8EJ Change of use from bakery (use class A1) to restaurant (use class A3) and installation of flue to rear Refused

2011/02729/PA Moseley Church of England Primary School Oxford Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9EH Installation of 6 no. solar panels to roof Approve subject to Conditions

2011/02376/PA 348 Moor Green Lane Moseley Birmingham B13 8QP Erection of two storey side extension Approve subject to Conditions

2011/02669/PA 47 Elizabeth Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8QH Erection of two storey side and rear extension and replacement of flat roof with pitched roof to porch Approve subject to Conditions

2011/02492/PA 12 Forest Road Birmingham B13 9DL Erection of single storey rear extension and conservatory Approve subject to Conditions

2011/02491/PA 16 Avenue Road Birmingham B14 7TH Erection of single storey rear extension Approve subject to Conditions

2011/01878/PA Moseley Hall Hospital Alcester Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8JL Listed Building Consent for refurbishment and subdivision of an existing store room to create a lobby and office accommodation including the provision of a staff welfare facility Approve subject to Conditions

2011/02331/PA 197 Alcester Road Birmingham B13 8LW Part change of use from Childrens Home (use class C2) to Internet Pharmacy (use class B8) Registered Approve subject to Conditions

2011/01518/PA 161 High Street Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7LA Display of 1 no internally illuminated fascia sign and 1 no. internally illuminated projecting sign Approve Temporary

2011/02120/PA Kings Heath Park House Kings Heath Park Vicarage Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7TQ Listed Building Consent for demolition of existing conservatory and erection of a new conservatory, installation of access ramp, internal & external alterations including maintaining security of the main house Approve subject to Conditions

2011/02118/PA Kings Heath Park House Kings Heath Park Vicarage Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7TQ Demolition of existing conservatory and erection of a new conservatory, installation of access ramp, internal & external alterations including maintaining security of the main house Approve subject to Conditions

2011/01400/PA 21 St Agnes Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9PH Replacement of first floor windows Approve subject to Conditions

2011/02192/PA 72 Melton Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7ES Erection of a single storey rear extension Approve subject to Conditions

2011/01979/PA 8 Greenend Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9TJ Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a proposed single storey rear extension Withdrawn

2011/01555/PA 2 Cartland Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7NS Listed Building Consent to renovate the property from current its state of disrepair to a habitable condition Approve subject to Conditions

2011/01160/PA 31A St Marys Row Moseley Birmingham B13 8HW Listed building consent for the removal of external staircase to side and erection of porch Approve subject to Conditions

2011/01152/PA 31A St Marys Row Moseley Birmingham B13 8HW Change of use from (use class A2) Finance and Professional Services to (Use class C3) Residential Flats and removal of external staircase to side and erection of porch Approve subject to Conditions

2011/01114/PA 33 Alcester Road South Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7JQ Display of 1 externally illuminated facia sign and 1 externally illuminated projection sign Approve Temporary

2011/01113/PA 33 Alcester Road South Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7JQ Installation of a new shop front and roller shutters. Approve subject to Conditions

2011/01814/PA 51-67 High Street Land to Rear Kings Heath Birmingham Outline consent for 11 no. town houses with associated parking Registered Approve subject to Conditions

2010/07194/PA St Dunston School Drayton Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7LP Erection of part two storey and part first floor side extension, and single storey forward and front extensions. Registered Approve subject to Conditions

2010/06456/PA - 201 Russell Road Moseley And Kings Heath Birmingham B13 8RR - Conservation Area Consent for demolition of existing bungalow Registered Approve subject to Conditions

2010/06143/PA - 201 Russell Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8RR - Erection of a dwellinghouse Registered Approve subject to Conditions

2010/04782/PA - 18 Amesbury Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8LD - Erection of two storey rear and single storey side extension Registered Approve subject to Conditions

2011-07-10T20:51:00.001+01:00

Planning Applications in Moseley & Kings Heath Ward that are still live– Sunday 10^th July 2011

These are applications, where no decision has been made and residents can still comment on.

Drawings and further details on each of these planning application is available on-line at http://eplanning.birmingham.gov.uk/Northgate/PlanningExplorer/ApplicationSearch.aspx

If you wish to comment on any of these applications, you do this by the following means

e-mailing to planning@birmingham.gov.uk

telephoning (planning will accept comments on planning application over the telephone) 303 1115 – please remember to quote the planning application number you are commenting on

post to Planning Management, Birmingham City Council, PO Box 28, Birmingham B1 1TU

2011/04232/PA 72 Moorcroft Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8LU Erection of two storey rear and single storey front extensions Registered 29-06-2011

2011/04030/PA Bishop Challoner R C School Institute Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7EG Erection of pitched roof to replace existing flat roof Registered 22-06-2011

2011/04054/PA 49 Greenhill Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9SU Erection of single storey rear extension and alterations to existing side extension with the addition of two rooflights in side elevation Registered 22-06-2011

2011/04014/PA 40 Vicarage Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7RA Change of use of part first floor residential (use class C3) to day nursery (use class D1) in connection with existing day nursery use at ground floor Registered 21-06-2011

2011/04013/PA 40 Vicarage Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7RA Change of use from domestic garden (use class C3) to children's play area for existing day nursery use (use class D1) Registered 21-06-2011

2011/04164/PA 36 Poplar Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7AA Erection of single storey rear extension to form kitchen and store room Registered 27-06-2011

2011/04049/PA 47 Melton Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7ET Erection of single storey rear extension & existing front drive to be extended & paved. Registered 22-06-2011

2011/03382/PA 153 High Street Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7DG Display of various illuminated and non illuminated signage Registered 26-05-2011

2011/02944/PA Moseley Allotments Moseley Birmingham Installation of 6 solar panels to roof of allotment building Registered 11-05-2011

2011/04113/PA 120-126 Alcester Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8EE Application for variation of conditions 1-10 (inclusive) and 18 attached to planning approval 2010/04473/PA Registered 23-06-2011

2011/03409/PA 6 St Marys Row Moseley Birmingham B13 8JG Change of use of ground floor from retail (use class A1) to a taxi booking office (use class Sui Generis) Registered 27-05-2011

2011/03713/PA 106 High Street Hare and Hounds Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7JZ Erection of 1.2 metre high steel posted and metal chain fencing. Registered 08-06-2011

2011/03931/PA 8 Prospect Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9TB Erection of single storey rear extension. Registered 15-06-2011

2011/01908/PA 21A Sandford Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9BP Erection of 4 no. 5 bedroom dwellinghouses and ancillary car parking. Registered 25-03-2011

2011/03649/PA 106 High Street Hare & Hounds Kings Heath Listed building consent for formation of new doorway in courtyard, Registered 07-06-2011

2011/03648/PA 106 High Street Hare & Hounds Kings Heath Formation of new doorway in courtyard. Registered 07-06-2011

2011/03836/PA 113 Blenheim Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9UA Erection of a single storey rear extension Registered 14-06-2011

2011/03817/PA 100 Cambridge Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9TB Erection of two storey side, single storey side and single storey rear extensions and installation of canopy to front Registered 13-06-2011

2011/02590/PA 31 Park Hill Birmingham B13 8DR Replacement of windows to the front and side elevations Registered 26-04-2011

2010/06263/PA 195 Highbury Road Moseley Birmingham B14 7QS Erection of single storey rear extension and first floor rear extensions, installation of 3 no dormers to rear and alterations to roof pitch Registered 08-11-2010

2011/01579/PA 2 Highfield Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9HL Erection of a single storey rear extension Registered 14-03-2011

2011/03410/PA 167-167A Highbury Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7QS Application for a Certificate of Lawfulness for existing use as 2 self contained flats in excess of 4 years Registered 27-05-2011

2011/03529/PA 110 Oxford Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9SQ Listed building consent for the installation of replacement hard standing to front. Registered 02-06-2011

2011/03528/PA 110 Oxford Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9SQ Installation of replacement hard standing to front. Registered 02-06-2011

2011/03527/PA 112 Oxford Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9SQ Listed building consent for the installation of replacement hard standing to front Registered 02-06-2011

2011/03526/PA 112 Oxford Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9SQ Installation of replacement hard standing to front Registered 02-06-2011

2011/03069/PA 11 St Marys Row Moseley Birmingham B13 8HW Change of use from retail (use class A1) to a restaurant (use class A3) to provide additional space for existing restaurant at 13. St Marys Row Registered 16-05-2011

2011/03480/PA 69-71 High Street Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7BH Change of use from Bingo Hall (use class D2) to retail (use class A1). Registered 01-06-2011

2011/03184/PA 56 Alcester Road Birmingham B13 8BA Listed Building Consent for installation of satellite dish and head end unit to rear. Registered 19-05-2011

2011/03129/PA 20 Ashfield Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7AS Erection of single storey rear extension Registered 18-05-2011

2011/02930/PA 43 Leighton Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8HD Installation dormer window to rear Registered 11-05-2011

2011/02673/PA 224 Alcester Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8EY Erection of single storey rear and side extension. Registered 03-05-2011

2011/02922/PA 232 Wheelers Lane Kings Heath Birmingham B13 0SR Erection of single and two storey rear extension, two storey side extension, canopy to front and dormer window and juliet balcony to rear Registered 10-05-2011

2011/02939/PA 1 Lench's Close Moseley Birmingham B13 9EY Erection of two single storey extensions to existing communal areas. Registered 11-05-2011

2011/02651/PA 169 Alcester Road Moseley Birmingham B13 0NY Application for a new planning permission to replace an extant planning permission 2007/07766/PA for Conversion and alterations to existing building and erection of single and two storey rear extension to create 4 apartments to extend the time limit for implementation Registered 28-04-2011

2011/02651/PA 169 Alcester Road Moseley Birmingham B13 0NY Application for a new planning permission to replace an extant planning permission

2011/02514/PA 18 Moorcroft Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8LX Erection of a two storey side and rear extension with Juliet balcony, single storey rear extension, installation of a two storey bay window to frontage, open porch and canopy to front. Registered 21/04/2011

2011/02024/PA 52-54 Dads Lane Kings Heath Birmingham B13 8PG Installation of ATM Registered 31/03/2011

2011/01579/PA 2 Highfield Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9HL Erection of a single storey rear extension Registered 14/03/2011

2011/01114/PA 33 Alcester Road South Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7JQ Display of 1 externally illuminated facia sign and 1 externally illuminated projection sign Registered 22/02/2011

2010/06557/PA - land adjacent to 107 Edgbaston Road Balsall Heath Birmingham B12 9PJ - Demolition of 6 no. garages Registered 23-11-2010

2010/06555/PA - Land adj to 107 Edgbaston Road Balsall Heath Birmingham B12 9PJ - Erection of 1 no. detached dwelling Registered 23-11-2010

2011-07-07T19:51:00.001+01:00

Moseley shopping centre left-turn and right-turn restrictions

I’ve been contacted by a group of residents who would like to seen the turning restrictions on the main traffic lights in the centre of Moseley removed.

The ‘no left turn’ restriction, on the Alcester Road heading out of the city centre, stops vehicles turning left into St Marys Row. Normally vehicles use the slip road in front of the Bulls Head public house to make this manoeuvre. When this slip road is closed once a month for the farmers’ market many vehicles make illegal left turns at the traffic lights.

The ‘no right turn’ restriction, on the Alcester Road heading into the city centre, stops vehicles turning right into St Marys Row. Instead vehicles have to use Woodbridge Road and the top-end of Church Road causing excess traffic and congestion on these roads.

My own investigations show that these two restrictions were introduced in the early 1990s, with little consultation, to ease the movement of traffic along Alcester Road.

With the ‘all red phase’ on these traffic lights, removing these restrictions would not cause any conflict with pedestrians crossing.

I would be grateful if you could let me know your views by filling in this survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LMYXC3Q It only takes about 2 minutes, at most, to fill in. honest

2011-06-29T18:28:00.001+01:00

Labour Party leaves Hall Green constituency in turmoil

The Hall Green constituency committee met for the first time since the election last night. The first item on the agenda was the election of a Chair and Vice-Chair for the Committee. What would normally take about 5 seconds to do, last night took 30 minutes, and is still not resolved thanks to the antics of the Labour Party.

The Hall Green Constituency Committee is part of the devolution project for Birmingham City Council, where the running of libraries, community centres, swimming pools, leisure centres, school crossings, highway management is devolved down to the constituency councillors – in the case of Birmingham, each constituency has 12 councillors. In the case of Hall Green constituency, this consists of the councillors from Sparkbrook Ward, Springfield Ward, Hall Green Ward and Moseley and Kings Heath Ward.

Prior to the May local elections, the Liberal Democrats had the majority of councillors and therefore ran Hall Green constituency.

In the run up to the May local elections the local Labour Party ran on a ‘no cuts’ manifesto and as a result the people overwhelmingly elected them in all four Wards of the Hall Green Constituency.

The party political make-up of the constituency now being: 5 Liberal Democrat councillors; 5 Labour councillors and 2 Respect Party councillors.

The upshot of this means that the Labour Party can now run Hall Green Constituency with the Respect Party and implement their ‘no cuts’ agenda.

You would think that the Labour Party would jump at this chance. Prove everyone wrong and show how there is an alternative cuts; how they will protest against every cuts as they claimed in their election literature. But you would be wrong to think this.

Initially, the Labour councillors nominated as Chair the Liberal Democrat Councillor for Hall Green Ward, Councillor Mike Wilkes. Cllr Wilkes refused the offer and I made it clear that the Liberal Democrat Councillor would not be running the Constituency.

Two Labour Party councillors then made an incoherent statement that the Liberal Democrats should run the Constituency since a Conservative-Lib Dem government ran the country and I was a Cabinet member in a Conservative-Lib Dem Cabinet. Even now 24 hours after they said this, I still can’t make sense of this logic.

The Labour Party then suggested that each month the Chair would change between all three groups. Again, as Liberal Democrat we said that we would have nothing to do with this, but would be happy for both the Labour Party and Respect Party to nominate a different Chair each month......and that’s what we now have.

Cllr Tony Kennedy chaired last nights meeting and will remain Chair until another Labour Councillor becomes Chair next month. Nobody was elected as Vice-Chair, since, well, Labour didn’t want it. As a result there will be no consistency from month to month as to who the Chair is; the Constituency officers will have inconsistent political direction between meetings....and the quality of service that local residents receive will go down hill. Well done, Labour.

And guess what also happened last night with the Labour Party in charge of the Constituency. They voted through cuts to the constituency budget without saying a word of protest.

2011-06-08T17:53:00.002+01:00

Update on Moseley Road baths –8^th June 2011

First of all we have a new date for the re-opening of Pool 2 of Moseley Road baths – 15^th July (plus or minus a day or two).

The stainless steel lintel above the fire exit door to Pool 2 is now in place. See photo below

The work to brick in this lintel in and remove the supporting frame will be complete by 8^th July.

I have managed to secure the £50,000 to install permanent structural scaffolding in the basement. Work starts on the installation of this scaffolding on the coming Monday.

The background to why we need this permanent structural scaffolding can be read at http://martinmullaney.blogspot.com/2011/05/update-on-moseley-road-baths-10-th-may.html

Subject, to no further faults being found in the building, the pool will re-open to the public on 15^th July thereabouts.

In the meantime, work is still moving forward on submitting a £5million bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2012 to start the first phase of restoring these baths.

2011-06-04T12:15:00.000+01:00

Plan for 324 seater restaurant on Jug of Ale site, Moseley

A planning application to extend and convert the former Jug of Ale public house on the corner of Alcester Road and Park Road has been submitted into the Planning Department.

The drawings for the planning can be seen on-line by going to: http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/planningonline , click on ‘Access Planning Online’, click on ‘Application Number Search’ and search for application number 2011/03267/PA

The proposal involves the following:

almost the doubling in size of the building from 800square metres to 1467square metres
conversion of the building into a 324 seater restaurant on two floors
the increase in size of the building will be done by building a two storey extension up to its rear boundary with 10 and 12 Park Hill
a protected mature lime in the centre of the site will have to be removed for the two storey extension
the car park will be laid out to accommodate 60 cars.
the applicant owns the Akbar chain of restaurants – see http://www.akbars.co.uk/restaurant.php?id=25 This new restaurant would have its interior design, menu and service based on the Akbar brand.

The period of consultation ends on 16^th June 2011.

Any comments can be submitted by:

e-mailing to planning@birmingham.gov.uk

telephoning (planning will accept comments on planning application over the telephone) 303 1115 – please remember to quote the planning application number 2011/03267/pa

post to Planning Management, Birmingham City Council, PO Box 28, Birmingham B1 1TU

2011-06-03T17:09:00.002+01:00

Over the last few days there has been much local media speculation about the future of the Gardeners Weekend event in Kings Heath Park in early September. I hope this e-mail explains what is happening.

The Birmingham Flower show, as it was then known, began in Handsworth Park. The earliest record I can find for it being held in Handsworth Park is 1947. In the mid-1970s, it moved to Perry Barr Park. Then in 1989, it moved to Kings Heath Park, where it was jointly run with BBC Gardeners World and called Gardeners Weekend. With the advent of the Gardeners World Live at the NEC, the BBC ended their involvement with the Kings Heath Park event in 2001. Since then the attendance figures have plummeted, whilst the Council subsidy required for the event has gone up.

The attendance and subsidy for the Gardeners Weekend event is as follows:

2006: Attendence - 19,345; subsidy - £40,000
2007: Attendence - 19,996; subsidy - £50,000
2008: Attendence - 15,740; subsidy - £50,000
2009: Attendence - 15,155; subsidy - £50,000
2010: Attendence - 12,364; subsidy - £72,316

On top of the subsidy, you need to add the cost of restoring the park back to its original condition. In 2010, this extra cost was £17,000. So the cost of hosting the 2010 Gardeners Weekend show was £89,316.

To put the £89,316 cost in perspective, the Council financially support the following events to the tune of £20,000 each: St Patrick's Day Parade, St George's Day, Vaisakhi, Eid Mela and Birmingham Pride. Nearly all these events attract about 80,000 visitors.

So it is only reasonable that the Council questions whether spending £89,316 to attract only 12,364 visitors is good use of public money, especially at a time of a hard financial squeeze.

In my portfolio team, we have been brainstorming ways of reducing the cost of Gardeners Weekend show and increasing the number of people attending. Our events team have over the last few years tried different offers on ticket prices, plus added a small food show. The number of attendances has still continued to drop.

We have therefore gone back to basics of why we spending public money on a Garden show.

Gardeners Weekend can be split into two elements:

The flower show – this where the Birmingham and District Allotments Association (BDAA) and the numerous city wide flower societies hold their end of season awards.
The trading fair – where horticultural traders sell plants and gardening equipment.

From a Council perspective it is the flower show element that we want to support, since it fits in with the Council objective of encouraging allotment use and for residents to grow plants in their own gardens. For the flower show, the September date is perfect, since this is the end of growing season.

For the trade show, it is difficult for the Council to justify subsidising a trade fair, when there are lots of garden stores around Birmingham who are presently keeping their heads above the financial line.

If we are to just focus on the flower show element, then we can make this financial viable by making it part of ArtsFest in the city centre. We will be able to share marketing, security and infrastructure (eg toilets, car parking ,etc). Also with 250,000 visitors to ArtsFest it is an opportunity for more people to see, be inspired by and maybe join these allotments and flower societies.

The present plan is to have the allotment section of flower show in a series of marques in the City Centre Gardens to the rear of Baskerville House. This is now sorted and the cost is being absorbed within the present Arts Fest budget.

We are looking for a historic building for the flower section eg the former headquarters of the Birmingham Municipal bank on Broad Street, or the Water Hall at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Having the flower section in marques in Kings Heath Park has never worked well, especially when it rained. Whenever, it rained we would have to put bark chippings on the ground, which would raise dust, which in turn would negatively impact on the flowers.

Having these flower displays inside a fine interior will also provide a perfect backdrop to these flower displays which are works of art themselves.

I’m visiting the former headquarters of the Birmingham Municipal bank on Broad Street next week with the events team to measure up this building. The former banking hall is magnificent and if we can use this, it would be an absolutely brilliant. This would also allow residents to see inside this fantastic building for the first time in 10 years, as well as seeing these wonderful flower displays.

No final decision has been made on whether the Flower show takes place in Kings Heath Park or in the City Centre. However, I want to be able to provide my Cabinet colleagues with the advantages and disadvantages of each location, plus the costs.

2011-05-30T10:43:00.000+01:00

Update on street drinkers behavior in central Moseley

In the last four months, I’ ve been contacted by a number of residents concerned about the sudden increase in street drinkers in the centre of Moseley. My own observations confirm this to the case, since I have seen the re-appearance of a number of street drinkers whom I know had ASBOs banning them from the centre of Moseley.

Complaints from residents have included:

An unprovoked assault in the Fighting Cocks pub, where one of the street drinkers came into the pub and smashed a pint glass over the head of a customer – the customer was unconscious for 45 minutes. The street drinker was subsequently arrested in St Marys Church yard.

Groups of street drinkers congregating in the church yard at the rear of St Marys Church and in the alleyway leading to the Alcester Road entrance of Moseley Private Park. The church yard to the rear of St Mary’s church is viewable from the properties in King Edward Road and I received complaints from these residents who regularly see the street drinkers openly urinating and defecating in the church yard; hurling abuse at the surrounding residents; openly fornicating in the church yard in daylight hours.

Residents who have live in the area for over 10 years, will be aware that the issue of anti-social behavior by street drinkers in the centre of Moseley has existed for well over 30 years. Since 2004, the presence of street drinkers has dramatically reduced due to the issuing of ASBOs against aggressive street drinkers, banning them from the centre of Moseley. Some of the street drinkers live in Moseley, but many come from outside the area.

In the last four months, a series of long term ASBOs on these street drinkers have come to an end and this is why we have seen an increase in street drinkers.

Through my own correspondence with the local police, the police are fully aware of the problem and are working on collecting evidence to issue ASBOs against any street drinkers committing repeated anti-social activities.

The local police are working in partnership BASBU (Birmingham Anti Social Behaviour Unit) and the local street wardens. The Moseley and Kings Heath Street Wardens are collecting evidence sufficient for an ASBO on any particular individuals.

If you know of any person who is willing to speak with the police and come forward as a witness to assist with this work that would help enormously. Please e-mail Sgt Tracie Wharton on t.wharton@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk

Witnesses can remain anonymous, since the police can act on their behalf in court.

2011-05-22T18:47:00.001+01:00

Planning Applications in Moseley & Kings Heath Ward that have had a decision made since 28^th February 2011

The planning applications

2011/01083/PA 16 Queenswood Road Moseley And Kings Heath Birmingham B13 9AU Erection of single storey side and rear extension. Approved subject to Conditions

2011/01082/PA 8 Newport Road Sparkbrook Birmingham B12 8QD Erection of single-storey rear extension Approved subject to Conditions

2011/01021/PA St Marys Church St Marys Row Moseley Birmingham B13 8HW Replacement of existing 4.5m high, 177mm diameter replica flagpole incorporating telecoms antennas with new replica flagpole of same dimensions incorporating telecoms antennas and development ancillary thereto Seen & Noted by Authority

2011/00861/PA Hare & Hounds Public House 106 High Street Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7JZ Listed Building Consent for the Installation of boundary fence and awning to side elevation Refused

2011/00860/PA Hare & Hounds Public House 106 High Street Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7JZ Installation of boundary fence and awning to side elevation Refused

2011/00488/PA 2-4 Woodbridge Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8EJ Change of use from retail (use class A1) to restaurant use (to form 2 x A3 units), installation of new shopfront, installation of extraction flue and erection of single storey extension to rear Withdrawn

2011/00949/PA 26 Cotton Lane Moseley Birmingham B13 9JB Retention of single storey side and rear extension. Approved subject to Conditions

2011/00696/PA 55 Elmfield Crescent Moseley Birmingham B13 9TL Erection of single storey side and rear extension and Juliet balcony to rear Approved subject to Conditions

2011/00472/PA 19 St Marys Row Moseley And Kings Heath Birmingham B13 8HW Installation of security camera and ATM security light to front and installation of 3 air condenser units to rear Approved subject to Conditions

2011/00471/PA 19 St Marys Row Moseley Birmingham B13 8HW Replacement of non illuminated fascia lettering and installation of projecting sign (AMENDED DESCRIPTION) Approve Temporary

2011/00846/PA 63 Albert Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7HJ Erection of detatched structure to front Approved subject to Conditions

2011/00483/PA 94 Wheelers Lane Kings Heath Birmingham B13 0SF Erection of a first floor side extension Withdrawn

2010/07289/PA 91A York Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7RX Change of use from retail (Class A1) to office (Class A2) Refused

2011/00828/PA 70 Kingswood Road Moseley And Kings Heath Birmingham B13 9AP Erection of single-storey rear extension Approved subject to Conditions

2011/00786/PA 15 St Agnes Road Moseley And Kings Heath Birmingham B13 9PH Listed building consent for erection of boundary wall to front to replace existing timber fence Approved subject to Conditions

2011/00785/PA 15 St Agnes Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9PH Erection of boundary wall to front to replace existing timber fence Approved subject to Conditions

2011/00781/PA 113 Highbury Road Birmingham B14 7QW Erection of conservatory Refused

2011/00668/PA 24 Dads Lane Moseley Birmingham B13 8PQ Erection of single storey rear extension Approved subject to Conditions

2010/06883/PA 127 Russell Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8RS Erection of single-storey rear extension Approved subject to Conditions

2011/00499/PA 21 Salisbury Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8JS Retention of external steps to front and retention front boundary wall and installation of chair lift Refused

2010/07009/PA 57 Russell Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8RB Erection of single storey detached structure to side Approved subject to Conditions

2010/07221/PA 121 Russell Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8RS Erection of porch Approved subject to Conditions

2010/06891/PA 141 Oxford Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9SH Alterations to front boundary wall and driveway to front Approved subject to Conditions

2011/00271/PA - 265 Yardley Wood Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9JL - Demolition of bungalow and erection of two detached 5 bedroom dwellings and associated parking Approved subject to Conditions

2011/00238/PA - 14 Goodby Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8NJ - Erection of single storey rear extension Withdrawn

2010/07168/PA - 1 Chestnut Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9AJ - Erection of 12 no. garages. Approved subject to Conditions

2011/00042/PA - 37 Melton Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7DA - Erection of 1 no. dormer window to front. Approved subject to Conditions

2010/07289/PA - 91A York Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7RX - Change of use from retail (Class A1) to office (Class A2) Refused

2010/07249/PA - 153 High Street Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7DG - Change of use to part first floor from ancillary retail storage (use class A1) to snooker hall (use class D2) Approved subject to Conditions

2010/06994/PA - 7 Coppice Road Land Adjacent Moseley Birmingham B13 9DP Erection of a 5 bedroom detached dwelling Approved subject to Conditions

2010/05923/PA - 69-71 Wake Green Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9PT Removal of condition 4 attached to previous approval E/C/17962/002 to allow occupation by persons other than those of pensionable age and provision of 11 new car parking spaces Approved subject to Conditions

2010/05774/PA - 145-147 Station Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7TA - Removal of existing office/storage building and erection of a 3 storey residential dwelling Approved subject to Conditions

2010/04473/PA - 120-126 Alcester Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8EE - Application for a new planning permission to replace an extant planning permission 2007/02961/PA in order to extend the time limit for implementation for the demolition of buildings and development of two buildings comprising of a ground floor unit fronting Alcester Road with use as A1 (Retail) and 50 residential apartments above, comprising 32 no. two bedroom units & 18 no. one bedroom units, associated access & parking Approved subject to Conditions

2010/02795/PA - 36 St Marys Row Moseley Birmingham B13 8JG - Installation of roller shutters to front Refused

2010/02353/PA - Moseley Court Yardley Wood Road Birmingham Installation of electrnic communications Seen & Noted by Authority

2009/05931/PA - Meteor Building St Mary's Row Moseley Birmingham B13 9EG - Demolition of existing car dealership buildings and its redevelopment to provide a mixed used scheme comprising a medical practice / surgery, retail food store and 14 sheltered residential apartments, together with a new access, car parking and landscaping works Approved subject to Conditions

2009/02256/PA - 92 Billesley Lane Moseley Birmingham B13 9RA - Erection of a two storey side and rear and single storey front extension to include porch. Approved subject to Conditions

2009/01429/PA - 41 Ascot Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9EN - Erection of single storey side & single storey rear and front porch extensions. Approved subject to Conditions

2011-05-22T18:41:00.000+01:00

Planning Applications in Moseley & Kings Heath Ward that are still live– Sunday 22^nd May 2011

These are applications, where no decision has been made and residents can still comment on.

Drawings and further details on each of these planning application is available on-line at http://eplanning.birmingham.gov.uk/Northgate/PlanningExplorer/ApplicationSearch.aspx

If you wish to comment on any of these applications, you do this by the following means

e-mailing to planning@birmingham.gov.uk

telephoning (planning will accept comments on planning application over the telephone) 303 1115 – please remember to quote the planning application number you are commenting on

post to Planning Management, Birmingham City Council, PO Box 28, Birmingham B1 1TU

The planning applications

2011/02651/PA 169 Alcester Road Moseley Birmingham B13 0NY Application for a new planning permission to replace an extant planning permission

2011/02992/PA 30 St Albans Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9AS Erection of single storey rear extension. Registered 11/05/2011

2011/02438/PA 19 St Marys Row Moseley Birmingham B13 8HW Installation of new access ramp to existing entrance Registered 19/04/2011

2011/02760/PA 88 Church Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9AE Installation of 64 no. solar panels to roof Registered 05/05/2011

2011/01967/PA 17 Reddings Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8LW Erection of single storey rear extension Registered 29/03/2011

2011/02496/PA 21 Woodbridge Road Birmingham B13 8EJ Change of use from bakery (use class A1) to restaurant (use class A3) and installation of flue to rear Registered 20/04/2011

2011/02729/PA Moseley Church of England Primary School Oxford Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9EH Installation of 6 no. solar panels to roof Registered 04/05/2011

2011/02376/PA 348 Moor Green Lane Moseley Birmingham B13 8QP Erection of two storey side extension Registered 15/04/2011

2011/02669/PA 47 Elizabeth Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8QH Erection of two storey side and rear extension and replacement of flat roof with pitched roof to porch Registered 03/05/2011

2011/02492/PA 12 Forest Road Birmingham B13 9DL Erection of single storey rear extension and conservatory Registered 20/04/2011

2011/02491/PA 16 Avenue Road Birmingham B14 7TH Erection of single storey rear extension Registered 20/04/2011

2011/02024/PA 52-54 Dads Lane Kings Heath Birmingham B13 8PG Installation of ATM Registered 31/03/2011

2011/02331/PA 197 Alcester Road Birmingham B13 8LW Part change of use from Childrens Home (use class C2) to Internet Pharmacy (use class B8) Registered 13/04/2011

2011/01518/PA 161 High Street Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7LA Display of 1 no internally illuminated fascia sign and 1 no. internally illuminated projecting sign Registered 10/03/2011

2011/01400/PA 21 St Agnes Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9PH Replacement of first floor windows Registered 07/03/2011

2011/02192/PA 72 Melton Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7ES Erection of a single storey rear extension Registered 07/04/2011

2011/01579/PA 2 Highfield Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9HL Erection of a single storey rear extension Registered 14/03/2011

2011/01979/PA 8 Greenend Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9TJ Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a proposed single storey rear extension Registered 29/03/2011

2011/01555/PA 2 Cartland Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7NS Listed Building Consent to renovate the property from current its state of disrepair to a habitable condition Registered 11/03/2011

2011/01160/PA 31A St Marys Row Moseley Birmingham B13 8HW Listed building consent for the removal of external staircase to side and erection of porch Registered 23/02/2011

2011/01114/PA 33 Alcester Road South Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7JQ Display of 1 externally illuminated facia sign and 1 externally illuminated projection sign Registered 22/02/2011

2011/01113/PA 33 Alcester Road South Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7JQ Installation of a new shop front and roller shutters. Registered 22/02/2011

2011/01814/PA 51-67 High Street Land to Rear Kings Heath Birmingham Outline consent for 11 no. town houses with associated parking Registered 23/03/2011

2010/06557/PA - land adjacent to 107 Edgbaston Road Balsall Heath Birmingham B12 9PJ - Demolition of 6 no. garages Registered 23-11-2010

2010/06555/PA - Land adj to 107 Edgbaston Road Balsall Heath Birmingham B12 9PJ - Erection of 1 no. detached dwelling Registered 23-11-2010

2010/06456/PA - 201 Russell Road Moseley And Kings Heath Birmingham B13 8RR - Conservation Area Consent for demolition of existing bungalow Registered 17-11-2010

2010/06143/PA - 201 Russell Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8RR - Erection of a dwellinghouse Registered 02-11-2010

2010/04782/PA - 18 Amesbury Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8LD - Erection of two storey rear and single storey side extension Registered 18-08-2010

2011-05-10T18:05:00.001+01:00

Update on Moseley Road baths – 10^th May

Readers will be aware that Pool2 of Moseley Road baths has been closed since Christmas so that the lintel above the fire exit door in this pool can be repaired.

See previous posting at http://martinmullaney.blogspot.com/2011/04/update-on-moseley-road-baths-4-th-april.html

We were hoping that the work would be completed on or around 23^rd May. Unfortunately, we are now looking at, at best, 13^th June. Although this date may be pushed back due to additional problems in the basement of the baths.

At time of writing, the stainless steel lintel for the fire exit door in Pool 2 is being manufactured in Switzerland. We hope to have it at Moseley Road baths in 2 weeks time. Installing and removing the steel frame holding up the load bearing wall above the fire exit, will take a further three weeks – hence the 13^th June date.

In addition, the Council’s structural engineers have raised concerns about the state of decade old acrow props underneath the former second class mens slipper baths. These acrow props hold the floor up, which in turn holds up the roof at this section of the building.

The acrow props are heavily rusted and need replacing immediately.

Our Structural engineers will only allow any replacement temporary acrow props to remain in situ for two months and want a permanent structure put in place. Estimated costed is £100,000.

The council’s Urban Design team are in the process of costing a temporary and permanent solution. They hope to have this information to me by the end of this week.

2011-04-03T15:11:00.002+01:00

Update on Moseley Road baths – 4^th April 2011

I visited Moseley Road baths on Friday to see what progress has been made on the following:

a) Replacing the lintel above the fire exit to Pool 2

b) Replacing the bearings in the ventilation fans to Pool 2

Background to the pools temporary closure can be read at

http://martinmullaney.blogspot.com/2011/03/update-on-moseley-road-baths-4-th-arch.html

I attach two photos showing the work on replacing the lintel, both inside the building and outside.

The interior shot shows that the finishing touches are being made to the frame that will hold up the two load bearing pillars, when the present lintel is removed.

The exterior shot is not very good, but does show the hoarding around the works in the access road to the rear of the baths.

Hopefully next week, the corroded lintel will be removed.

The bearings on the ventilation fans have now been replaced and you now notice the difference straight away inside the pool. Before, whenever I visited this pool, my glasses would steam up with the high humidity – this was because the fans were rarely switched on, which in turn was causing the paint on the ceiling to peel and evidence of the early stages wet rot setting in.

With the bearings replaced, the ventilation fans no longer squeal whenever they are on and are therefore permanently switched on.

2011-03-07T17:07:00.000Z

The Village pub, Moseley, to be closed and converted into living accommodation

A planning application has been submitted to convert the Village pub, Alcester Road, Moseley, into residential accommodation. A three storey building, containing 6 flats would also be built in part of the present car park.

The planning application number is 2011/00992/PA. The drawings for the planning application can be seen on-line by going to: http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/planningonline , click on ‘Access Planning Online’, click on ‘Application Number Search’ and search for application number 2011/00992/PA

My limited understanding on the history of this building is that it was originally a Gentlemen’s’ private club. It was more akin to the Gentlemen clubs in London, like the Carlton or Garrick club, which served the professional classes, as opposed to the modern gentlemen’s clubs which are thinly disguised strip clubs.

The Gentlemen’s Club closed in 1980 and was then converted in The Village pub.

From my perspective, I’m amazed that it has lasted so long as a pub. Being 100 metres outside the core of Moseley shopping centre, it has always struggled to attract the same high level of patronage as the other pubs in Moseley shopping centre.

2011-03-04T19:37:00.001Z

Kings Heath Library re-opens to the public tomorrow (Saturday)

Kings Heath Library re-opens to the public tomorrow, Saturday 5^th March, at 9am.

The library closed to the public just before Christmas, due to health and safety concerns that the roof skylights could collapse into the library beneath during an heavy snowfall or high winds.

£75,000 has been spent installing permanent scaffolding to contain the skylights, if they were to unfortunately collapse. £300,000 is required to fully replace the skylights with exact replicas and the Council does not have this funding at this stage.

We have just received a quote for the cost to lay one layer of bitumen felt over the flat roof. This would stop the present leaks in the roof until money can be found to completely re-felt the roof, which would last for 25 years. A decision on the one layer felt will made in the next few weeks

2011-03-04T19:23:00.000Z

Update on Moseley Road baths – 4^th March 2011

I attended a pre-contract meeting this morning to discuss the forthcoming work on Moseley Road baths. The objective of the works is to replace the lintel on the fire exit of Pool 2, which will allow the pool to re-open to the public.

Background to the pools temporary closure can be read at http://martinmullaney.blogspot.com/2011/01/update-on-moseley-road-baths-14-th.html

The outcome of this mornings meeting is that the contractors will move onto the site on Monday 21^st March. The work will take between 6 to 9 weeks depending on the complexity of the issues discovered when the current rotten lintel is removed. So at worst, the pool will re-open to public around 23^rd May.

The first three weeks of the works will involve constructing a steel frame to hold up the gable wall when the present rotten lintel is removed.

There was some discussion today as to the design of the lintel. If we maintain the current width of the fire exit door, then a stainless steel lintel will be constructed; can I apologise to the resident who e-mailed me about the possibility of a stainless steel lintel and my response was that they don’t exist. As I found out today, such things do exist.

Another option for the lintel is to reduce the width of the fire exit door, by bricking up about a quarter of it. This would allow the pillar from the roof, that rests on the lintel, to instead reach the floor by brick – as it would have done when the baths were built. Removing the downward force of the pillar from lintel, will allow a cheaper a concrete lintel to be used instead of a stainless steel lintel.

A decision of what type of lintel to use will be made when the present rotten lintel is removed.

In the meantime, we are pursuing the issue of lack of ventilation inside pool 2, which in turn is causing wet rot to form on the wooden timber roof. The pool has two mechanical fans which are rarely turned on, since their bearings are worn and create a screeching racket when turned on. We are aiming to get the bearings replaced in the coming weeks.

2011-03-03T13:30:00.000Z

Meteor Ford planning application approved by Chairs casting vote

The planning application for the former Meteor Ford site at the corner of Oxford Road and St Marys Row was voted through today by the Chair’s casting vote, after the Committee vote 7 for, 7 against.

The planning application was previously considered by the Committee on 10^th February where the Committee voted 7-6 in favour of ‘deferring the decision minded to refuse’. In plain English this was informing the Planning Officers to come back with another report providing legal reasons to refuse the planning application.

The planning officers did come back today with a report re-iterating why the Committee should approve the application.

The voting went:

Against the application: 4 Lib Dem and 3 Labour

For the application: 1 Labour and 6 Conservative

1 Labour Councillor was absent

This left the voting 7:7, which allowed the Chair to make the final casting vote. He voted for the application.

2011-02-28T20:14:00.003Z

Planning Applications in Moseley & Kings Heath Ward that are still live– Monday 28^th February 2011

These are applications, where no decision has been made and residents can still comment on.

Drawings and further details on each of these planning application is available on-line at http://eplanning.birmingham.gov.uk/Northgate/PlanningExplorer/ApplicationSearch.aspx

If you wish to comment on any of these applications, you do this by the following means

e-mailing to planning@birmingham.gov.uk

telephoning (planning will accept comments on planning application over the telephone) 303 1115 – please remember to quote the planning application number you are commenting on

post to Planning Management, Birmingham City Council, PO Box 28, Birmingham B1 1TU

The planning applications

2011/01083/PA 16 Queenswood Road Moseley And Kings Heath Birmingham B13 9AU Erection of single storey side and rear extension. Registered 21-02-2011

2011/01082/PA 8 Newport Road Sparkbrook Birmingham B12 8QD Erection of single-storey rear extension Registered 21-02-2011

2011/00861/PA Hare & Hounds Public House 106 High Street Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7JZ Listed Building Consent for the Installation of boundary fence and awning to side elevation Registered 10-02-2011

2011/00860/PA Hare & Hounds Public House 106 High Street Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7JZ Installation of boundary fence and awning to side elevation Registered 10-02-2011

2011/00949/PA 26 Cotton Lane Moseley Birmingham B13 9JB Retention of single storey side and rear extension. Registered 15-02-2011

2011/00696/PA 55 Elmfield Crescent Moseley Birmingham B13 9TL Erection of single storey side and rear extension and Juliet balcony to rear Registered 03-02-2011

2011/00471/PA 19 St Marys Row Moseley Birmingham B13 8HW Replacement of non illuminated fascia lettering and installation of projecting sign (AMENDED DESCRIPTION) Registered 25-01-2011

2011/00846/PA 63 Albert Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7HJ Erection of detatched structure to front Registered 10-02-2011

2011/00483/PA 94 Wheelers Lane Kings Heath Birmingham B13 0SF Erection of a first floor side extension Registered 25-01-2011

2010/07289/PA 91A York Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7RX Change of use from retail (Class A1) to office (Class A2) Registered 30-12-2010

2011/00828/PA 70 Kingswood Road Moseley And Kings Heath Birmingham B13 9AP Erection of single-storey rear extension Registered 09-02-2011

2011/00786/PA 15 St Agnes Road Moseley And Kings Heath Birmingham B13 9PH Listed building consent for erection of boundary wall to front to replace existing timber fence Registered 07-02-2011

2011/00785/PA 15 St Agnes Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9PH Erection of boundary wall to front to replace existing timber fence Registered 07-02-2011

2011/00781/PA 113 Highbury Road Birmingham B14 7QW Erection of conservatory Registered 07-02-2011

2011/00668/PA 24 Dads Lane Moseley Birmingham B13 8PQ Erection of single storey rear extension Registered 02-02-2011

2010/06883/PA 127 Russell Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8RS Erection of single-storey rear extension Registered 09-12-2010

2011/00499/PA 21 Salisbury Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8JS Retention of external steps to front and retention front boundary wall and installation of chair lift Registered 26-01-2011

2010/07009/PA 57 Russell Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8RB Erection of single storey detached structure to side Registered 14-12-2010

2010/07221/PA 121 Russell Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8RS Erection of porch Registered 23-12-2010

2010/06891/PA 141 Oxford Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9SH Alterations to front boundary wall and driveway to front Registered 09-12-2010

2010/06263/PA 195 Highbury Road Moseley Birmingham B14 7QS Erection of single strorey rear extension and first floor rear extensions, installation of 3 no dormers to rear and alterations to roof pitch Registered 08-11-2010

2011/00271/PA - 265 Yardley Wood Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9JL - Demolition of bungalow and erection of two detached 5 bedroom dwellings and associated parking Registered 17-01-2011

2011/00238/PA - 14 Goodby Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8NJ - Erection of single storey rear extension Registered 13-01-2011

2010/07168/PA - 1 Chestnut Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9AJ - Erection of 12 no. garages. Registered 22-12-2010

2011/00042/PA - 37 Melton Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7DA - Erection of 1 no. dormer window to front. Registered 05-01-2011

2010/07289/PA - 91A York Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7RX - Change of use from retail (Class A1) to office (Class A2) Registered 30-12-2010

2010/07249/PA - 153 High Street Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7DG - Change of use to part first floor from ancillary retail storage (use class A1) to snooker hall (use class D2) Registered 24-12-2010

2010/06994/PA - 7 Coppice Road Land Adjacent Moseley Birmingham B13 9DP Erection of a 5 bedroom detached dwelling Registered 14-12-2010

2010/06557/PA - land adjacent to 107 Edgbaston Road Balsall Heath Birmingham B12 9PJ - Demolition of 6 no. garages Registered 23-11-2010

2010/06555/PA - Land adj to 107 Edgbaston Road Balsall Heath Birmingham B12 9PJ - Erection of 1 no. detached dwelling Registered 23-11-2010

2010/06456/PA - 201 Russell Road Moseley And Kings Heath Birmingham B13 8RR - Conservation Area Consent for demolition of existing bungalow Registered 17-11-2010

2010/06143/PA - 201 Russell Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8RR - Erection of a dwellinghouse Registered 02-11-2010

2010/04782/PA - 18 Amesbury Road Moseley Birmingham B13 8LD - Erection of two storey rear and single storey side extension Registered 18-08-2010

2010/05774/PA - 145-147 Station Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7TA - Removal of existing office/storage building and erection of a 3 storey residential dwelling Registered 13-10-2010

2010/02795/PA - 36 St Marys Row Moseley Birmingham B13 8JG - Installation of roller shutters to front Registered 20-05-2010

2010/02353/PA - Moseley Court Yardley Wood Road Birmingham Installation of electrnic communications Registered 30-04-2010

2009/02256/PA - 92 Billesley Lane Moseley Birmingham B13 9RA - Erection of a two storey side and rear and single storey front extension to include porch. Registered 19-05-2009

2009/01429/PA - 41 Ascot Road Moseley Birmingham B13 9EN - Erection of single storey side & single storey rear and front porch extensions. Registered 30-03-2009

2011-02-28T20:14:00.002Z

Planning Applications in Moseley & Kings Heath Ward that are still live– Monday 28^th February 2011

These are applications, where no decision has been made and residents can still comment on.

Drawings and further details on each of these planning application is available on-line at http://eplanning.birmingham.gov.uk/Northgate/PlanningExplorer/ApplicationSearch.aspx

If you wish to comment on any of these applications, you do this by the following means

e-mailing to planning@birmingham.gov.uk

telephoning (planning will accept comments on planning application over the telephone) 303 1115 – please remember to quote the planning application number you are commenting on

post to Planning Management, Birmingham City Council, PO Box 28, Birmingham B1 1TU