Conservative Campaign backed by more than 5,500 residents helps protect Sutton Coldfield’s and Birmingham’s Green Belt
Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield Local Conservatives have welcomed Birmingham City Council’s decision to remove plans to redesignate 21 Green Belt sites including 17 in Sutton Coldfield as “grey belt”, marking a major victory for local residents and a campaign that has united the community over the past eight months.
The revised Birmingham Local Plan confirms that around 465 hectares of Green Belt, in Sutton Coldfield and the rest of the city, (equivalent to approximately 700 football pitches or half the size of Sutton Park) will no longer be considered for redesignation, protecting valued green spaces from the immediate threat of housing development.
The decision follows a sustained campaign by local Conservative Birmingham City Councillors, working with Sutton Coldfield MP Sir Andrew Mitchell, the Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council and more than 5,500 residents who signed a petition calling for the Green Belt to be protected.
In its report, Birmingham City Council acknowledges the scale of public concern, particularly in North Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield, stating that Sutton Coldfield was disproportionately affected, with 17 of the 21 proposed sites located within the constituency. The report also recognises that redesignating the sites would have had a considerable impact on residents, wildlife, the landscape and local infrastructure.
The Council concludes that removing the sites from consideration demonstrates its commitment to protecting the Green Belt, prioritising brownfield regeneration and listening to the views of local residents.
Alongside this, a separate Cabinet report recommends new and enhanced designations for Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) and Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation (SLINCs), providing stronger ecological protection for a number of sites across the Royal Town and making speculative development even more difficult.
The recommendations will be considered by Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet next week before the revised Local Plan is published for a six-week public consultation beginning in August.
Richard Parkin, Conservative councillor Sutton Reddicap, said:
“This is an incredibly welcome step and a testament to what can be achieved when local people stand together. From the very beginning, Sutton Coldfield residents made it clear they wanted our Green Belt protected, and more than 5,500 people backed that message by signing our petition.
“This has been a genuine team effort. Local Conservative councillors have worked tirelessly alongside our Conservative MP, Sir Andrew Mitchell the Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council and local campaigners to ensure residents’ voices were heard loud and clear. Birmingham City Council has now recognised the strength of that feeling, and we welcome this significant change of direction. I thank residents for signing our petition and officers and the new administration for listening to the concerns of residents and putting protecting our valuable green spaces front and centre”.
“While there are still important stages ahead, including Cabinet approval and public consultation, today’s announcement is a major victory for everyone who believes Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield’s Green Belt should be protected for future generations.”
Councillor Robert Alden, Leader of the Conservative Group on Birmingham City Council, said:
“This is a fantastic result for Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield and demonstrates what determined local campaigning can achieve. For months, our local Conservative team has fought to protect these precious green spaces, working closely with residents, the Town Council and our Member of Parliament to make the case for protecting the Green Belt.
“The response from local residents has been extraordinary. Thousands of people signed the petition because they understood what was at stake, and that overwhelming public support has undoubtedly helped ensure the Council has listened.
“We have consistently argued that development should prioritise brownfield regeneration before any consideration is given to green spaces, indeed we made this pledge in our election manifesto. Today’s recommendations reflect that principle and are a significant step in protecting the character of Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield while ensuring future development happens in the right places.
“We will continue to scrutinise the process carefully as the Local Plan progresses, but this is a significant milestone and one that everyone involved in the campaign can be proud of.”
Although the revised Local Plan must still receive Cabinet approval before progressing to public consultation, Local Conservatives have welcomed the recommendations as an important milestone in protecting Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield’s Green Belt.
Residents will have the opportunity to comment on the revised Local Plan during the six-week consultation before it is submitted to the Government later this year.
The draft Local Plan proposes saving green belt sites across the Council area including:-
Hill Hook
Moor Hall
Sutton Park
New Hall Valley
Sandwell Valley/Tame Valley
Castle Bromwich
Cole Valley
Westley Brook
Woodgate Valley
Bartley Reservoir
