Library repairs update

I had another meeting with the contractors today to discuss progress on the library. As you can see from the photo, the first of the new lanterns is being installed (there are over a dozen and there are five different designs on the roof). Double-glazed and with solar-reflective glass in them, they will make a difference to the warmth of the library during the winter.

So far, eleven days have been lost to the weather and the forecast isn't good for the days ahead. This means that the handover date may be delayed - it looks unlikely that we'll get the library handed back by the 13th December as originally planned and the earliest date for handover looks to be the 20th December, but that is still weather-dependent. What that means is that we are likely to see the library reopen early in the New Year, once the building has been returned to a useable condition, which will take about a week after it is handed back to us.

Acocks Green Station Access Improvements On Track

Here's an artist's impression of the new lift access towers for Acocks Green station, as the improvement plans start to move into delivery, as promised over a year ago (and it does bear a striking resemblance to the towers installed at Selly Oak. It may have taken seven years to get it done, but we're finally on the way.

The project is expected to start on-site in December and completion is due in Spring 2014. The design provides for step-free access from the car park and the booking hall through to the platforms - ideal for those with mobility problems, prams and wheelchairs.

CENTRO advise that the station should remain open throughout the work, although there may be minor problems when some of the heavy lifting or plant installation work is carried out - advance warning will be given for that. Similarly, although most work will be carried out during the normal working day, there may also be a need to work at weekends or overnight and this will also be advised to local residents who might be affected.

On Tuesday 26 November, between 3:30pm and 6pm, there will be a team from London Midland, CENTRO, Network Rail and the contractors (J Murphy & Sons) at the station to show plans and answer any queries that you might have. You can also contact Network Rail on 08457 11 41 41 if you have any questions or concerns.

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.

UPDATE - Road repairs - Shirley Road

An update on the forthcoming resurfacing of Shirley Road from Olton Boulevard to the Warwick Road (into the Green).

The work is scheduled to start on the 21 November 2013. It is expected to take up to five days and the crews will be working on site on week nights between 7pm and 6am.