SPPOA Newsletter Spring 2020

Since the AGM in October 2019, we have met as a Committee in November, January and February. Members will be aware that we have
circulated the Minutes of the AGM, and requested feedback regarding its
location in the hope of encouraging more people to attend.

We have discussed all planning applications from our area, and some of those on the borders (e.g. Pershore Road applications for Houses in Multiple Occupancy). We decided whether or not to object, to approve, or comment. To respect the privacy of individuals we do not identify properties in this newsletter. When we decide to submit an objection, several members of the committee make independent responses (rather than relying on a single response from SPPOA), since six are needed to ensure that the Planning Committee sees them. We email weekly lists of planning applications in our area to all SPPOA members. In addition we circulated to all SPPOA members suggestions on how to object to one application which potentially broke the covenants, and as a result several members submitted their objections. The planning decision is awaited. Each application remains on the agenda until the outcome has been reported on the council’s website. SPPOA members can of course also keep an eye on applications and submit their own responses.

Between meetings, individual members of the committee attend our Councillors’ Surgeries to raise planning and planning-related issues with Councillors Karen McCarthy and Brigid Jones. For example, we checked on progress on removing the advertising hoarding at the Bournbrook Road/Bristol Road junction, and were told an appeal has been lodged. We also asked for guidance regarding amendments made to applications, and gathered that following a review of planning, recommendations have been made that might provide a platform to review the overall process. We highlighted the need to specify the number of residents in new-build student blocks rather than just the number of units. And we reported concerns about the effect of fireworks at a site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation to the appropriate Principal Arboriculturalist/Ecologist. Again, SPPOA members can do the same and will find, as we have, that an immediate response is often provided and appropriate action taken when possible. We have also continued to consult Claremont Planning for advice on specific planning issues, and have received useful advice on which we can act.

An important piece of work is being undertaken by Committee members Ann Davies and Richard Batley. They are creating a Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan (CAAMP) to be submitted to Birmingham City Council where it will support the documentation for our Conservation Area. The document will identify the special interest of Selly Park Conservation Area and provide a definition of its character, list opportunities and threats to the special character of the Conservation Area, and provide proposals to address these potential issues. When adopted by the Council, the CAAMP will provide a sound basis for the determination of planning applications within the Conservation Area and the formulation of proposals for its preservation and enhancement.

Committee member Richard Batley also sits on the CP4SO committee (Community Partnership for Selly Oak) and he keeps the SPPOA Committee in touch with their actions and concerns. A particular  concern of CP4SO and of SPPOA is the high incidence of houses in multiple occupation and the creation of new large residences for students. We object to applications for such premises whenever a legitimate objection can be made.

A members of the Committee keeps an eye on any houses for sale in our area, and writes to the relevant estate agents informing them about the covenants. We have also researched and responded to members’ queries, which included one regarding whether or not we had objected to an application for gates, and another about possible changes in a garden boundary.

Committee members:

Two recently appointed members of the Committee, Ruthie Dowd and Monder Ram, unfortunately have had to resign due to other pressing commitments. We thank them for their service.

Have you updated your Standing Order / Direct Debit to £40 to meet our current annual subscription? And if you are not yet a member and would like to join, please email Liz Robinson on e.j.robinson@warwick.ac.uk