Heart For Shirley Inquiry underway

Jo Sykes

15 May 2008

THE FUTURE of a £70 million scheme to re-develop Shirley town centre hangs in the balance of a public inquiry which is due to start at Solihull Council today (Thursday, May 8).
The Parkgate Scheme, formerly known as The New Heart For Shirley, won planning permission in September 2006 but has since failed to move forward due to reluctant landowners.
Large numbers of existing shops, properties and land will be swallowed-up by the expansive development including Fill the Shoe, Going Places, Staybright Windows and Richard Ludlow Solicitor who occupy shop frontage on the Stratford Road.
The Bank of Ireland, Westminister House and Solihull Christian Fellowship will also be expected to make way for the plans.
But building work has so far been delayed due to a number of small businesses refusing to accept compensation offers. Objectors include Adams Childrenswear Ltd, Age Concern, Solihull, Domino's Pizza, Nando's Chicken Ltd and Westminister House.
As a result councillors voted in favour of issuing the Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) to all 343 interests on the site after private negotiations with objectors failed. The planning inspector heading the inquiry at the Council's civic suite will decide whether or not the CPOs are justified. The inquiry is expected to last eight days at the end of which an announcement on whether or not to force the hand of reluctant business owners will be made.
Businesses losing their plot are expected to receive compensation based on their property’s current market value.
The mulit-million scheme will be anchored by an Asda superstore, 20 new shops, cafes, restaurants, public walkways and toilets, 200 apartments and a 600 space basement car park.
The controversial scheme has sparked huge protest from some resident groups including Keep Shirley Alive (KSA) who believe the four percent loss of parkland to the scheme is unacceptable.
Richard Wise, a resident and member KSA said: "The inquiry covers the closure of a service road, and an order to close the existing park footpath from Haslucks Green Road and lay a new one skirting the proposed 'temporary' car park to be laid within the park. As residents and park users we have objected to this order and, along with many others, we have genuine concerns about the proposals for the footpath."
Robert Birch, Managing Director of developers Shirley Advance said in evidence due to be presented at the inquiry that the development was crucial in halting the decline which has gripped Shirley since the loss of Powergen in 1994.
The public Inquiry is open to anyone and will be held at the council chambers in Homer Road. For more information on the inquiry log online at www.solihull.gov.uk.

Hold on to tradition»

It's your shout...... reader's letters»

Lack of trust hampers Burma campaign»

Eighties legend speaks to The Observer»

Village in shock after stabbing»

Woman stabbed to death in Shirley»

Keeping a check on skin cancer»

Fashion show to boost charity's coffers»

Borough welcomes Gardeners' Weekend»

Eighties legend Paul Young speaks to The Observer»

Youth on trial over thrown stick»

Win tickets to watch darts legends»

Robins’ double delight»

Dorridge lose out at Attock»

Skipper sets a shining example»

Youngsters progress in Nationwide Cup»

Bryant impresses but Catney crash»

First win of the season for Berkswell»

Camps clinch Shield victory»

Knights seal promotion»