ARC have submitted plans to build a greyhound track at the company’s horserace course at Wolverhampton (see press release below) writes Floyd Amphlett.
The move is not unexpected and follows seemingly well founded rumors that a planning application will be submitted for Perry Barr by the head lease holder. (Birmingham City Council own the freehold). Readers may recall a leaked ‘pre planning’ application for the site that we published earlier in the year. This type of action is common practise as developers attempt to explorse a council’s view prior to going for the more expensive full application.
At this stage, that application has not been made public though that seems to be only a matter of time.
Clearly ARC are acting in anticipation of that application and must now await a response from the council. (Have they themselves submitted a pre-planning application seeking guidance?)
The advantages of an established leisure site in terms of facilities, amenities and parking would suggest that a switch from Birmingham to the Black Country would be a relatively simple operation involving the laying of a new racing circuit and the building of kennels. The work of a few weeks. There is plenty of room on the site which once housed a trotting track.
Given the above – it appears inconceivable that the Perry Barr owners and trainers would be left ‘homeless’.
This is a story that is set to develop over the coming weeks and months.
