Reluctant permission granted for pub redevelopment in Birmingham
‘Frustrated’ councillors have been forced to back the redevelopment of a derelict Sutton pub and bowling green into care apartments.
A total of 57 ‘extra care’ apartments for people aged over 55s will be created on the site of the Wylde Green Public House on Birmingham Road despite opposition to the proposal from residents, ward councillors and the neighbourhood forum.
The pub has been empty since 2019 and the plan by Ray White was originally put forward shortly afterwards.
Planners refused it on the grounds of its elongated front on Birmingham Road, it being out of character with the area and the absence of a financial contribution to compensate for the loss of the bowling green.
But the developers appealed and inspectors backed the proposals, stating it won’t cause unacceptable harm to the area. The appeal was upheld.
At a Birmingham City Council planning meeting on Thursday, the plan was unanimously agreed.
But Councillor Gareth Moore said: “It’s frustrating the situation we’re in given the appeal decision. Since the application before us is virtually identical to what’s come before, we were minded to refuse it.
“I’m not happy with the application but given the situation we’re in, we don’t have much choice but to support it on this occasion.”
A report to members said: “The scheme seeks to provide 57 no. ‘apartments with care’ which allow residents to live independently but with the ability to have care provision tailored to their needs within their own home.
“The applicant has identified that the site would be operated by ‘Methodist Homes’ who are an established provider of care facilities and operate
similar sites throughout the UK.
“Care would be available to all occupants through a domiciliary care service and all occupiers would have to meet a ‘needs assessment’ to ensure that they meet the qualifying criteria to purchase an apartment.
“These restrictions would also include a minimum age restriction of 55 for leasehold purchase and for the occupants to have a need for care.
“The requirement, for occupier’s care needs to be assessed on entry, could be secured by condition to ensure they properly qualify for entry.”
During the consultation phase, 57 letters of objections were sent in by residents citing a raft of reasons for refusal.
These included the size of the development, the impact on neighbours, it being out of character with the area and lament at the loss of the public house, bowling green, play area and facilities.
Wylde Green Neighbourhood Forum also submitted opposition to the plans due to the size, loss of light and privacy and inadequate parking and traffic congestion issues.
