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Campaigners enjoy a small victory

CAMPAIGNERS fighting controversial plans to build 87 homes on The Bees Rugby Club ground on Sharmans Cross Road are refusing to celebrate after the developer - Oakmoor Estates - pulled out of a planned appeal against planning permission refusal.
The Sharmans Cross Action Group has been fighting the proposals ever since the developer tabled its plans.
Initial joy was expressed when the council threw the application out because the plans for 87 homes made no provision for affordable housing.
However, the celebrations were cautious as campaigners were expecting an appeal from the developer - an appeal which was forthcoming.
However, on Friday night (January 29) and with just three days to go until the appeal at the Christian Renewal Centre in Lode Lane, Oakmoor pulled the plug on its appeal.
The news has once again been welcomed by campaigners - but once again cautiously.
Pat Montague, chairman of Sharmans Cross Action Group, said the news was not a victory, but more of a break in the battle.
"I have no doubt whatsoever that Oakmoor will be back at the table with another planning application - we just don't know what form it will take," he added.
Coun Kate Wild, cabinet member for community services, has been fighting the plans alongside the Sharmans Cross Action Group and said Oakmoor's decision to pull out of the appeal was a small victory for the group and all the hard work its members had put in.
Campaigner Melvyn Broadhurst added: "This is great news but I would urge anyone with concerns about the development to write to Solihull Council as this matter may still have some way to be resolved."
The Bees rugby club leased its St Alphege Road ground from the council back in 1965 on a 125-year lease.
Because it was a club providing sporting activities to the public it was agreed that the lease would cost just £250 per year for the full 125 years.
However, the rugby club sold the remainder of the lease - over 80 years' worth - to Oakmoor two years ago meaning the developer would also only have to pay just £250 per year in lease fees.
The developer had failed to comment at the time of going to press.
Meanwhile chairman of the Birmingham & Solihull Rugby Club, Paul Davidson said: “Oakmoor had its reasons for withdrawing its appeal and we are very disappointed that this was necessary, but the club is still keen to see the proposed Sporting Partnership Community Foundation (with Solihull Moors) ultimately come to fruition."

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  <b>Campaigners welcome a small step towards victory. (Left to right) Bob Price from the Sharmans cross Action Group, Coun Kate Wilde, resident Rob Hulland, campaigner Maggie Throup and Chair of the action group Pat Montague. 05.010.041.SOL.DJ</b>

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  <b>Campaigners welcome a small step towards victory. (Left to right) Bob Price from the Sharmans cross Action Group, Coun Kate Wilde, resident Rob Hulland, campaigner Maggie Throup and Chair of the action group Pat Montague. 05.010.041.SOL.DJ</b>