Planning Applications to the 4 October 2014

2014/06872/PA - 31 Olton Croft, Acocks Green, B27 6PG
Erection of single storey rear extension.

2014/05110/PA - 1225 Warwick Road, Acocks Green, B27 6PX (Dolphin Fish Bar)
Variation of condition number 1 attached to 2011/04182/PA to allow extended opening hours from 12 noon to 10pm on Monday to Saturday and closed all day Sunday.

2014/06403/PA - 109 Holcombe Road, Tyseley, B11 3PR
Erection of two storey side & rear extension and single storey front & rear extension

2014/06500/PA - St Mary's Church, Warwick Road, Acocks Green, B27 6QX
Display of 3 non-illuminated post mounted signs

2014/06210/PA - 184 York Road, Hall Green, B28 8LE

Erection of single storey rear extension

2014/06254/PA - Shaftmoor Lane, Former Lucas Site, Tyseley (Morrisons site)

Application to determine the details for conditions numbers 2,4,5,11,17,32 and 39 attached to approval 2011/06776/PA

I've been in touch with Morrisons and plans are still afoot for construction - this relates to some of the aspects of the plans that have to be agreed in advance. No start date as yet - I'll keep you up to date. I have to say that Morrisons' communications department aren't lightning fast (although spectacularly better than the glacial movement of Network Rail's team)

2014/06016/PA - 1025 Warwick Road, Acocks Green, B27 6QJ

Erection of first floor rear extension, single storey forward & rear extensions and installation of dormer to rear

2014/06046/PA - 162-166 Yardley Road, Acocks Green, B27 6LR

Change of use from Sui Generis (Service Station) to Use Class B2 (Tyre Repair)

They keep coming back. There's significant residential objection to this already.

2014/06231/PA - 25 Broom Hall Crescent, B27 7JR

Erection of single storey forward extension, erection of conservatory and installation of porch

You can find the details by inputting the reference number into the Council online database here

If you have any comments, you can submit them online - feel free to pass your comments on to me.

Last week in brief....

A surprisingly busy week last week, despite only a few meetings planned. Monday was the usual ploughing through emails and casework, but I also made contact with the fire service and the police regarding the series of fires affecting a building on Tyseley Lane. Fortunately, the damage was contained and, while worrying for residents, didn't affect any houses. Yardley School did remain closed for the remainder of the week to allow the safe removal of the remains of roof sheeting that had dropped into the grounds. Investigations are under way into what are believed to be three separate arson attacks and the police did release CCTV footage of a man that they would like to interview in relation to the incident.

What is clear is that this building was a specific target for arson - this is not a problem that should worry the community at large. Both the local fire service and police were clear on that.

On Tuesday, I was invited to be in the audience for the BBC Radio 5 Live debate on the Tory party conference at the Alexandra Theatre, a meeting regarding the Fox Hollies Forum and a home visit to look at a potential environmental health problem on Edenbridge Road in response to a resident's complaint. Wednesday saw a home visit to a disabled resident regarding a serious social care issue, a quick meeting in the Council House with Cllr Bore and Cllr Stacey and then a walk up and down the Warwick Road discussing Christmas Lights.

That's an important issue this year, as the planned works on the Warwick Road will be taking place at the same time as the scheduled display for the lights. It looks like we won't have any festive light displays on the into-city side (Aldi side only) from Dolphin Lane to Holy Souls Church, as those lighting columns are planned for replacement towards the end of the festive period. The displays not used there will be used elsewhere in the Village, though, so we won't lose out! I've also ensured that the traditional cross displayed on the column outside the Church will be kept in the same spot this year - work to that column will be delayed.

On Thursday, I had a performance review with the head teacher of Cottesbrooke Infants School, where I'm a governor and also found time to drop into Warwick House respite home on the Warwick Road, which is doing well. After that, there was time for some good old-fashioned door knocking in Acocks Green to canvass support and talk to residents about issues or problems that they have.

Friday started with a meeting down on Fox Hollies Park with the local Parks Manager, finalising plans to remove the disgusting pile of rubbish that's blocking the stream and we also talked about proposals to relieve the flooding around the bridge further up. I finished up the day with the usual Friday surgery and a catch up with Cllr Stacey.

The never ending list

Some kind soul decided to dump this at the end of the alleyway on Ninfield Road connecting to the Warwick Road. The bags contained roofing tiles, so I suspect that this is the result of a dodgy builder pulling into the car park and chucking waste out of the back of the van. I've had this cleared after it was raised by a local resident.

Also on the radar from last week - there's still work in progress to sort problems with an alley off Shirley Road. Following a resident's complaint, scaffolding on a council property on Gospel Farm Road has been removed.

A resident on Gospel Lane has raised concerns about a leaking sewer pipe, which he has been trying to get sorted for some time - that's now the subject of a formal s163 notice to Severn Trent, insisting that they deal with the problem within a few weeks.

The saga of the 31 bus route grumbles on. I've written to the respondents to our petition asking for feedback on the National Express proposal to remove the buses from Pool Farm Road and Pollard Road and run them down Thornfield Road instead. This doesn't restore the service to Olton Boulevard East and that's been a major concern of residents. I've fed the views of residents back through CENTRO, but further comments are always welcome.

Residents from Woodcock Lane had raised concerns about the "SLOW" markings becoming invisible and I've been on to Amey who will be repainting them.

I've also been chasing our Fleet and Waste team over a number of piles of flytipped green waste around the ward - chiefly on the Yarnfield and Gospel Estates. I'm pushing to have these removed.

Concerns continue about a property on Yardley Road, which has hedges overgrowing the footpath - that's still work in progress.

Work on the Warwick Road

You may have noticed some road works starting along the Warwick Road from Dudley Park Road towards the city. These are spot improvements to help cyclists and pedestrians, with new road markings and build outs from the kerb. There will also be some sense brought to the traffic orders along this stretch and the signage update is ongoing.

The work should take about 11 weeks to complete along the whole length of the road. It forms part of the Local Sustainable Transport Fund works - the same pot that will fund the major work in Acocks Green Village.

Location:Douglas Road,Birmingham,United Kingdom

Planning Applications to the 26 April 2014

Playing catch up from last week, I'm afraid. Nothing from the preceding week to report.

2014/01905/PA - Olivet Care Home, 17 Sherbourne Road, Acocks Green, B27 6AD

Erection of conservatory

2014/02228/PA - 1080 Warwick Road, Acocks Green, B27 6BH

Installation of new shop front and roller shutters

2014/02221/PA - 1080-1082 Warwick Road, Acocks Green, B27 6BH

Display of 1no internally illuminated fascia and 1no internally illuminated projecting signs
These both relate to the new CEX store in Acocks Green Village

You can find the details by inputting the reference number into the Council online database here

If you have any comments, you can submit them online - feel free to pass your comments on to me.

Planning Applications to the 5 April 2014

Planning Applications to the 5 April 2014

I've got a lot more to write, but no time to do it....

2014/02199/PA - 1238 Warwick Road, Acocks Green B27 6PL
Erection of single storey rear extension

2013/09234/PA - Wellsbourne House, 1157 Warwick Road, Acocks Green, B27 6RG

Change of use from offices (Use Class B1) to church hall (Use Class D1)

2014/02082/PA - 2 Francis Road, Acocks Green, B27 6LX

Change of use from a single dwellinghouse to a largescale HMO and alterations to front elevation

You can find the details by inputting the reference number into the Council online database here

If you have any comments, you can submit them online - feel free to pass your comments on to me.\

Planning Applications to the 8 March 2014

A hectic week last week stopped me from listing these two that came in over the past fortnight:

2013/09503/PA - 1091 Warwick Road, Acocks Green, B27 6QT
Erection of single storey conservatory to front and infill second floor extension, and retention of single
storey rear extension, installation of external steel staircase and extraction flue to rear.

2014/01197/PA - 213 Yardley Road, Acocks Green, B27 6LZ
Change of use from business use (B1) to funeral directors (A1) use

You can find the details by inputting the reference number into the Council online database here

If you have any comments, you can submit them online - feel free to pass your comments on to me.\

Planning Applications to the 22 February 2014

After a fallow week, another three

2014/00434/PA - Land off Beeches Avenue, Yardley Road, Acocks Green
Fourteen 4-bedroomed houses
There was a 2008 application, for which permission has now lapsed, which covered a mix of 3 and 4/5 bed houses. The new application is for a more consistent house style, but slightly larger footprints.

2013/08867/PA - 97 Oxford Road, Acocks Green, B27 6DR
Installation of two dormers to front, one to the rear and roof alterations to the main roof.

2013/09234/PA - Wellsbourne House, 1157 Warwick Road, 
Change of use from offices (Use Class B1) to church hall (Use Class D1)

You can find the details by inputting the reference number into the Council online database here

If you have any comments, you can submit them online - feel free to pass your comments on to me.\

Planning Applications to the 14 December 2013

A few to catch up on before Christmas:

2013/08883/PA - 1174 Warwick Road, Acocks Green, B27 6BS
Erection of single storey rear extension including alterations to staircase and shop front alterations

2013/08744/PA - 49 Cottesbrooke Road, Acocks Green, B27 6LE
Erection of first floor side and rear extensions and conservatory (Amended description)

2013/08986/PA - 1146 Warwick Road, Acocks Green, B27 6BL
Display of 1 no. internally illuminated fascia sign, 1 no. externally illuminated projecting sign and 1 no.
non-illuminated fascia sign

2013/08818/PA - 120 Douglas Road, Acocks Green, B27 6HW
Erection of single storey rear extension
You can find the details by inputting the reference number into the Council online database here

If you have any comments, you can submit them online - feel free to pass your comments on to me.

Licensing applications to 22 November 2013

Applications have been made for the following:

A convenience store/off licence premises license for Lakey Express - 233 Lakey Lane, B28 8QT
Planned opening hours for the store and for the off-sales licence are 0600-2300 every day.
Comments should be sent by the 9 December 2013, ref application 84576.

Michaels Drink Stop, 1164-66 Warwick Road, B27 6BS have applied for an off-licence for trading 1000-2230 Sunday, 0800-2300 Mon - Sat and 0800-2230 on Good Friday, with a licence to match those hours. Comments should be sent by 12 December 2013, ref 84645.

Details of the licensing team can be found here.

Comments can be sent by post to:
Licensing Section, Crystal Court, Aston Cross Business Village, 50 Rocky Lane, Aston, B6 5RQ
By email to licensing@birmingham.gov.uk or you can call them on 0121 303 9896

Planning Applications to 16 November 2013

Playing catch up now, with three weeks' worth (apologies - it has been hectic)

2013/07598/PA - 3 Victoria Road, Acocks Green, B27 7XZ
Change of use of first floor from residential use (use class C3) to ancillary dental practice (use class D1),
alterations to porch to front and erection of single storey rear extension

2013/08035/PA - Land to the rear of, 1073 Warwick Road onto Netherfield Gardens, Acocks Green, B27 6QTErection of 4no. dwellings and 1no. apartment unit

2013/07516/PA - 187 Fox Hollies Road, Acocks Green, B27 7TZ
Erection of single storey rear extension to create 1 bedroom self contained apartment

2013/08064/PA - 17 Arden Road, Acocks Green, B27 6AH
Erection of single storey front, two storey side and rear and single storey rear extensions and installation of rear dormer

2013/08113/PA - 59 Olton Boulevard East, Acocks Green, B27 7NH
Application for a Certificate of Lawfulness for a proposed single storey rear extension

You can find the details by inputting the reference number into the Council online database here

If you have any comments, you can submit them online - feel free to pass your comments on to me.

Planning Applications to the 26 October 2013

Just one to work with.

2013/07403/PA - 1228 Warwick Road, Acocks Green, B27 6PL
Erection of two storey side and rear and single storey front extension.

You can find the details by inputting the reference number into the Council online database here

If you have any comments, you can submit them online - feel free to pass your comments on to me.

Licensing Applications to the 16 October 2013

Applications have been made for the following:

A premises license for P News and Convenience Store, 2 Shaftmoor Lane, B27 7RS
Planned opening hours for the store are 0530-2200 every day and they are applying for an off-sales license to run from 0800-2200 every day. Comments should be sent by the 24 October 2013, ref application 84046

The Red Lion pub, 1145 Warwick Road, B27 6RA has an application in for:
Live music/recorded music/dance and anything similar; films; indoor sporting events; off sales - 0700-0000 Sun to Thurs, 0700-0100 Fri-Sat
Trading times - 0700-0030 Sun to Thurs, 0700-0130 Fri-Sat
Late night refreshment - 2300-0000 Sun to Thurs, 2300-0100 Fri-Sat
Comments should be sent in by the 4 November 2013, ref application 84162.

The Dubella Lounge, rear of 1145 Warwick Road, B27 6RA (note this is behind the pub) has an application in for the following:
Live music/recorded music/dance and anything similar; films; trading times; indoor sporting events and off sales - 0700-2300 every day.
Comments should be sent in by the 4 November 2013, ref application 84170

Details of the licensing team can be found here.

Comments can be sent by post to:
Licensing Section, Crystal Court, Aston Cross Business Village, 50 Rocky Lane, Aston, B6 5RQ
By email to
licensing@birmingham.gov.uk
or you can call them on 0121 303 9896

Planning Applications to the 24 August 2013

A few more this week. The

2013/06208/PA - 177 Shirley Road, Acocks Green B27 7NP
Erection of two storey side extension

2013/05451/PA - 338 Olton Boulevard West, Tyseley, B11 3HJ
Erection of single storey front extension and a conservatory

2013/04459/PA - 15-17 Station Road, Acocks Green, B27 6DH
Erection of single storey extension to second floor to form new self contained flat

2013/06219/PA - 1173 Warwick Road, Acocks Green, B27 6RG
Change of use from dry cleaners (Use Class Sui Generis) to restaurant with ancillary hot food takeaway (Use Classes A3 and A5) and installation of extraction flue to the rear

This is the former Johnsons premises. An earlier application was withdrawn. 

You can find the details by inputting the reference number into the Council online database here

If you have any comments, you can submit them online - feel free to pass your comments on to me.

Planning Applications to 3 August 2013

The builders aren't on holiday.

2013/05246/PA - 295 Fox Hollies Road, B27 7PS
Display of 1 no. externally illuminated fascia sign and 3 no. graphic signs

2013/05556/PA - 66, 72, 167 Fox Hollies Road, B27 7TJ
Installation of external wall insulation

2013/05682/PA - 1285 Warwick Road, B27 6PX
Erection of 6 metre deep single storey rear extension. Maximum height 2.5 metres, eaves height 2.5 metres

2013/04062/PA - 1091 Warwick Road, B27 6QT
Change of use of first floor to dining area in conjunction with existing restaurant use at ground floor, and erection of single storey front extension, two storey rear extension and second floor extension to create residential flat at second floor.

(This one has come back again and the Ward Committee resolved to object to it when it last appeared)

2013/05684/PA - 108 Shirley Road, B27 7NA
Erection of 6 metre deep single storey rear extension. Maximum height 4 metres, eaves height 3 metres

You can find the details by inputting the reference number into the Council online database here

If you have any comments, you can submit them online - feel free to pass your comments on to me.

Shed some pounds on shed security

Solihull Police report that a number of sheds on the Gospel Lane allotments have been broken into. They offer advice on securing your garden and shed:

Here are some basic tips for you if you are looking to make sure your garden and shed are as secure as possible.

● Put gravel on paths and driveways to alert you to someone approaching
● Fix a wooden trellis to the top of fences as if climbed, it will break, creating noise and attracting attention.
● Ensure gates at the side or back of the house are kept locked with a good quality bolt and padlock.
● Do not leave ladders lying around.
● Install security lights to illuminate your garden.
● Keep shrubs, hedges and large plants cut back.
● The planting of a prickly hedge, such as firethorn, climbing rose or hawthorn, against existing fencing will act as a powerful deterrent.
● Speak to your local garden centre about plants which provide natural protection.
● Lock sheds with a padlock or mortice deadlock as they often contain tools suitable for breaking into your home.
● Check to see if your shed has sustained any damage after the Winter months which may make access easy for a burglar.
● If your shed has windows, consider putting net or curtains up
● Consider installing a battery operated shed alarm
● Chain cycles, mowers, ladders and stools together inside the shed
● Consider having lockable steel boxes fitted to the floor of your shed to store tools in

Planning Applications to the 6th April

This covers the couple of weeks over Easter.

2013/02121/PA - 1233-1237 Warwick Road (Olton Tyres)
Continuation of change fo use from retail (Use Class A1 to sale of tyre, tyre changing, storage and installation of new shop front

2013/02052/PA - 177 Shirley Road
Erection of two storey side extension

2013/02229/PA - 165 Tynedale Road
Erection of two storey side extension

2013/02272/PA - 18 Elton Grove
Erection of single storey rear extension

You can find the details by inputting the reference number into the Council online database here

If you have any comments, you can submit them online - feel free to pass your comments on to me.

Planning Applications to 23 March

A couple of weeks to catch up with here and a veritable feast for the planning geeks amongst you. Incidentally - the BBC Two series "The Planners" has been an excellent insight into the trials and tribulations of how planning decisions are made. Well worth catching up with on iPlayer.

2013/01672/PA - 1098 Warwick Road, Lloyds TSB Bank plc
Display of various internally illuminated and non-illuminated signs

2013/01604/PA - Victoria Road, Archbishop Ilsley RC 6th Form College
Removal & replacement of boundary fencing to Warwick Road elevation

2013/01897/PA - 12 Langworth Avenue
Erection of single storey rear extension

2013/01971/PA - 87 Severne Road
Erection of single storey front extension

2013/01521/PA - 10 Botteville Road
Erection of two storey rear extension

2013/01975/PA - 125 Lulworth Road
Erection of a two storey rear & side extension and single storey rear extension

2013/01942/PA - 5 Charles Lane Trust Houses, Adjacent to Fox Hollies Road
Installation of 1 no. telecommunication DSLAM cabinet (BT plc)
(Within School Road Conservation Area)

A typical BT DSLAM cabinet

Note: This is not a mobile phone mast - it relates to providing fibre broadband access to properties in the area. The picture to the left shows an example of a DSLAM cabinet - not the actual site. 

2013/01941/PA - Edenbridge Road, site outside 208 School Road
Prior notification for the installation of 1 no. DSLAM cabinet (BT plc)
(Within School Road Conservation Area)

Note as above.

2013/01640/PA - 62 Yardley Road
Erection of rear detached storage building

2013/01816/PA - site outside 31 Shirley Road
Replacement and upgrade of existing public telephone kiosk with kiosk combining public telephone service and ATM service
(They keep on trying with this one)

You can find the details by inputting the reference number into the Council online database here

If you have any comments, you can submit them online - feel free to pass your comments on to me.

Planning Applications to 9 March 2013

Normal service resumed with just a single application

2013/00071/PA - Aldi Foodstore, Warwick Road
Installation of new full height shopfront to front elevation and new rendered finish to existing brickwork panels.

You can find the details by inputting the reference number into the Council online database here

If you have any comments, you can submit them online - feel free to pass your comments on to me.

Snaglist

Here's a sample of work scheduled and completed across the ward recently thanks to the intervention of the Labour team. 

Faulty street lights

On the Shirley Road/School Lane roundabout, at the junction of Shirley Road and Dolphin Lane, Oakhill Crescent, Yardley Road (including the belisha beacon), Westley Road, Flint Green Road, Shirley Road.

Damaged bollards repaired

Warwick Road/Westley Road junction (at the Green roundabout), Station Road/Oxford Road/Sherbourne Road junction.

Potholes

A couple of impressive examples of this species appeared - one particularly deep one on the Warwick Road lozenge roundabout opposite Lincoln Road North and another on the junction of Stockfield Road and Warwick Road, both of which were genuine hazards to road users. Both have been fixed. 

Other issues

Elsewhere, Amey will also be repairing the damaged trip rails on Warwick Road opposite Stockfield Road. 

A couple of weeks back, I was walking down Dudley Park Road and noticed that a deep hole had suddenly  opened up in the footpath just by the junction with Station Road. This was quite an urgent risk, given that it was potentially a serious trip hazard for any pedestrian, so I had the Amey hit squad out that same morning to perform a fix. The drainage team will need to have a look, as a void appears to have opened up beneath the footpath, so this might not be a permanent repair. 

A defective road sign on Weston Lane is to be realigned and adjusted to protect cyclists. This isn't part of the patch, but has been raised by a constituent, so I've raised it and Amey will be out to fix it. The sign warns drivers turning into Weston Lane from Battery Way to expect cyclists crossing the junction following the cycle route down into the dead end. Sadly, it was installed too low on the pole and has been turned round so that drivers can't see it. 

We've also got a problem with blocked gullies around the Spring Road station. Amey have been to have a look and the problem is actually with a blocked public sewer, which is maintained by Severn Trent. They've flagged it and I'll chase it myself with a contact with Severn Trent. 

Elsewhere, working with the landlords of the flats on Sherbourne Road, we had the access drive extended slightly to allow our bin wagons to be sure of access to the bin stores, as there was a period of several weeks when we weren't able to clear rubbish. An untaxed vehicle was parked on the private drive and prevented our trucks getting close enough to safely manoeuvre the large wheeled bins - the crews were trying daily at one point.