PLANNING chiefs at Solihull Council are being called on to rethink an application to build 250 homes near Berkswell Windmill.
The Friends of the Berkswell Windmill have called on the planning committee to apply a planning condition on plans to develop Pheasant Oak Farm to relocate the park and a community orchard to the right hand side of South View Farm when faced with making a decision at tomorrow’s meeting (April 2).
The group say the current plans, which have been put forward by Barwood Development Securities, does not provide protection for the setting of Berkswell Windmill.
The site was allocated for development of up to 250 homes in the Council’s Local Plan which has now been withdrawn.
However, the planning committee can still approve the plan so long as it adheres to ‘Golden Rules’ set out by the National Planning Policy Framework which was updated in December.
Developers say a number of the homes built would be affordable houses for social rent and shared ownership but they
In documents released by Solihull Council ahead of the meeting it states offers advise the application is approved with a section 106 agreement in place – a legal agreement ensuring developers contribute towards any necessary supportive infrastructure.
Campaigners say they are not objecting to the dwellings and in fact they welcome the social housing element of the application.
Jeanette McGarry, custodian of Berksweel Windmill, said: “We are not asking for much- just a tweak to the planning application conditions- a green open space so that the public can enjoy year round iconic views of this incredible working Windmill and where they may also enjoy the fruits of the Community Orchard.
“This is a once- in-a-lifetime opportunity and will protect the Mill for future generations along with valuable habitat for our endangered wildlife.
“We are not objecting to the houses – we think the park will enhance the whole scheme and bring enjoyment to residents and the public at large.”
