As expected, Birmingham City planning officers have resumed their campaign to allow housing on the Hall Green site despite a recent 9-2 vote by councillors against the plan. They have produced ‘an independent’ report disputing the number of full and part time staff employed and are claiming that the number of affordable houses (15%) is acceptable. They also claim that the ongoing business at Perry Barr (eight miles away) offers a credible alternative for greyhound racing supporters.
The report says: “Officers respectfully advise that a reason for refusal would be a difficult area to defend at appeal and should not be advanced.”
At the planning hearing, the majority of the objecting councillors named both the benefits to the community of the stadium, and concern over a shortage of school places and a shortfall in local medical treatment should a new housing estate be built.
