Plans approved to build over 50 new homes on Babbs Mill nature reserve despite objections

Plans have been approved to build over fifty new homes on part of Babbs Mill nature reserve in Kingshurst despite strong objections.

School children, local parish councils and local charities raised objections to the plans to build 52 houses on land off Cooks Lane.

The proposal was approved by Solihull Council’s planning committee – around seven per cent of the nature reserve will be lost.

There will also be a loss of trees as a result of the scheme but Solihull planning officers have said money will be invested into the remainder of the nature reserve to enhance the local facility.

Speaking at this week’s planning committee meeting, Councillor Debbie Evans said: “This is our nature reserve. It is the jewel in the crown of one fo the most deprived and densely populated areas of the borough.

“We cannot afford to lose any part of this nature reserve. It is used by the Centurion Running Club, by local schools, not to mention the smaller groups in the community like the scouts and the brigades.

“Cooks Lane also will not cope with the development. Cooks Lane is a major artery to the motorways and is already a very busy road.”

Parish councils, including Kingshurst, Smiths Wood, Castle Bromwich and Chelmsley Wood have objected to the plans.

The Children’s Society has also acknowledged the loss of part of the nature reserve and the impact this could have on children in the area.

But committee member Councillor Diana Holl-Allen said while she ‘sympathised with the situation,’ the land has already been allocated for development in the Solihull Local Plan, which sets out future development for the borough.

She added: “I understand that this is a very sensitive issue for many people.

“But we have to bring to mind that we are looking at where we can put houses.

“We are only going to be taking up a very small proportion of this nature reserve area.

“We always try to keep the greenery as much as we can and I know it is going to be hard but the people living in these houses will be able to enjoy the surroundings.”

Read more: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/anger-loss-part-solihull-nature-10993243