King’sHeath LOCAL ACTION PLAN A Future for King’s Heath

January 2006 Contents

1. INTRODUCTION page 3 2. STATUS OF THE PLAN page 3 3. KING’S HEATH - THE PLACE page 4 AND ITS PEOPLE

4. POLICY CONTEXT page 4 5. VIBRANT URBAN VILLAGES/ page 5 LOCAL CENTRES STRATEGY

6. URBAN DESIGN PRINCIPLES page 5 7. SHOPPING/ECONOMY page 6 8. TRANSPORTATION AND page 7 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

9. ENVIRONMENT page 10 10. HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT page 12 11. HOUSING page 13 12. EDUCATION page 13 13. LEISURE page 14 14. THE WAY FORWARD page 15 15. APPENDICES page 16 Proposals Map page 16 Development Opportunities page 17

USEFUL DOCUMENTS page 18

CONTACT INFORMATION page 18

King’s Heath LOCAL ACTION PLAN 1 The King's Heath Local Action Plan was adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) by the Cabinet of City Council on the 9th January 2006 under the provisions of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

King’s Heath LOCAL ACTION PLAN 2 INTRODUCTION STATUS OF THE PLAN 2.2 What can the Local Action 1 2 Plan achieve? 1.1 The purpose of this Plan is to 2.1 The Local Action Plan has The Local Action Plan is provide guidance for future been prepared by Birmingham fundamentally a land use and development in King’s Heath, City Council in consultation with transportation document which lies within the electoral local residents, residents’ providing planning guidance for wards of and King’s groups, schools, community future developers and it will be Heath and . It is a groups and the traders’ group. used in the determination of residential suburb located The Plan has been prepared in future planning applications. The approximately 4 miles south of response to requests from local plan identifies potential sites for Birmingham city centre. The residents and ward members and redevelopment (see proposals Action Plan will be used to guide has been prepared within the map) and provides advice on land use and transport changes context of The Birmingham Plan, transportation issues in order to in the shopping area and the side the City Council’s Birmingham encourage inward investment. streets off High Street and Unitary Development Plan 2005. The plan also seeks to address Road South. The Local Action Plan was issues and concerns raised adopted by the Cabinet of the during the consultation exercise City Council on 9th January such as parking and traffic 2006. issues, and the overall environment of the area. The PLAN OF STUDY AREA plan can also act as a tool for bidding for other funds.

2.3 The Vision The aims of this Local Action Plan are:

To maintain and strengthen the status of King’s Heath as the largest local centre in south Birmingham. To improve the local environment and to make King’s Heath more attractive and safer for all. To guide future investment and developments in the area in order to maintain its competitiveness. To combat the traffic congestion and its associated problems.

King’s Heath LOCAL ACTION PLAN 3 KING’S HEATH - THE 3.2 The People POLICY CONTEXT 3 PLACE AND ITS PEOPLE The community living within 4 King’s Heath Local Action Plan 4.1 The Action Plan has been 3.1 The Place study area is mixed. The majority prepared in the context of The The area is characterised by a of residents come from White Birmingham Plan - Birmingham’s linear shopping centre along the backgrounds (78%). Those from Unitary Development Plan High Street and Alcester Road Asian backgrounds make up the (UDP), which was adopted in South (A435) with large second largest group (14%). July 1993 and is the sole statutory residential areas consisting Other ethnic groups make up the plan for the whole of the city and mainly of Victorian and other 8% of the population. The Birmingham Plan - The Edwardian terraced properties to These figures are based on the Birmingham Unitary either side of the shopping area. 2001 census results. Development Plan 2005. The High Street forms the focal point of the community The age structure of the local The Birmingham Plan guides providing a range of shops and population is slightly older than development in the city and sets services. The total retail that for the city as a whole. There out an overall strategy for floospace is over 24,000sqm are fewer people under the age of Birmingham. The following with only a 4% vacancy rate (see 16 (20% as opposed to the city objectives have been established para 7.3 for floorspace average of 23%). The percentage to achieve the strategy: breakdown). King’s Heath is of the population aged 60 or easily accessible by public over is lower than that for the Protect and enhance existing transport with the A435 being a rest of the city. The largest shopping centres as the focal frequent Bus Showcase route in proportion of the population is point of community life. and out of the City. There are two between 25 and 44 years (35.9% Protect and enhance what is major parks located in King’s compared with a city average of good in the environment and Heath; Highbury Park and King’s 28.3%). This reflects the inward improve what is less good. Heath Park, which provide trend to King’s Heath by young Provide good quality transport important recreation and visual professionals and first time infrastructure to support amenity value. Highbury Park is buyers. Unemployment in the economic revitalisation. considered to be of high area is below that in the city as a Provide a variety of good landscape value and as a result whole. The percentage of the quality housing to meet all along with it has population with qualifications to needs. been listed in the National degree level or above is higher Maximise opportunities for Register of Parks and Gardens of than Birmingham as a whole. new economic activity. Special Historic Interest. King’s Promote sustainable Heath Park was awarded Green development and sustainable Flag status in 2005 by the Civic transport. Trust. The Constituency Statement within The Birmingham Plan recognises in paragraph 20.42 that King’s Heath is an important local centre for the southern suburbs and that its retail function has further scope for investment and improvement.

King’s Heath LOCAL ACTION PLAN 4 VIBRANT URBAN URBAN DESIGN All new development should be 56VILLAGES/LOCAL PRINCIPLES sensitive and compatible with its CENTRES STRATEGY surroundings in terms of scale 6.1 King’s Heath is of mixed and design and should be 5.1 The City Council’s Cabinet character however there is a accessible to people with and Corporate Plan is committed strong Victorian influence with disabilities and should provide to developing a city of vibrant several Victorian properties natural surveillance to reduce urban villages. The City Council fronting the high street, some of opportunities for crime. recognises the importance of which are of particular local centres as the hub of architectural merit (see para Additional design policy community activity and their role 10.1). Any future developments guidance for new residential in promoting urban regeneration, affecting such buildings should development in mature suburbs sustainability and social seek to retain the existing with high quality environments is inclusion. The Corporate Plan Victorian character. The City provided in ‘Mature Suburbs - sets out priorities for improving Council has adopted urban Residential Development economic prosperity and creating design guidance ‘Places for All’ Guidance (interim thriving communities. In order to and, specifically for residential supplementary planning achieve this a Community development, ‘Places for Living’. guidance - draft February 2005). Strategy has been prepared. This All new developments will be sets out a long term vision for required to comply with this Birmingham and identifies the guidance. main issues and objectives that are essential to achieving that The Birmingham Plan identifies 5 vision. main urban design principles. These are as follows: 5.2 The ‘Vibrant Urban Villages’ strategy seeks to maintain a Encourage mixed use schemes. network of attractive and Provide and promote accessible local centres across convenient safe routes. the city, which not only provide Define the public and private shopping facilities but also a realm. variety of services, local Promote sustainability/ employment and an identity for encourage buildings for the the local community. This future. strategy addresses Build on local character. environmental, economic and social issues together. King’s Heath - existing Victorian character

King’s Heath LOCAL ACTION PLAN 5 7 SHOPPING/ECONOMY 7.1 King’s Heath is the largest shopping centre in the south of the city and is ranked 3rd largest in the city in terms of retail floorspace, with only the city centre and having greater. The shopping centre has benefited from a large King’s Heath High Street catchment area attracting people from all over south Birmingham. This is due to its range of convenience and comparison There is no significant vibrant shopping centre offering shops with several key retailers concentration of non-retail uses a range of goods and services to located within the centre. It along the High Street and the a wide catchment area. includes a sizeable proportion of City Council does not consider durable goods floorspace. There that a primary retail frontage 7.4 The Moseley Ward are several national retailers policy is necessary at this time. Development Plan (2001) located within the centre and a recognises the success of the market hall. However, local 7.3 A retail survey undertaken in farmers’ market in Moseley residents’ and traders’ 1998 identified that: 11% of Village and is encouraging perceptions are that the shops were convenience shops discussions between the City shopping centre is beginning to and 52% comparison shops; Council, King’s Heath Business suffer from competition from (63% of units in A1 use). A land Association and the other centres such as Shirley and use survey carried out in July Neighbourhood Forum for the Solihull, and that the range of 2003 revealed that there are 9 provision of a farmers’ market in shops has decreased. Public vacant shops out of a total of King’s Heath. This could ideally consultation revealed that many 202 retail units; 28 A3 Hot food be held on the new public square King’s Heath residents travel to takeaway, cafe and restaurant which will be created as part of other centres such as Shirley for uses; 26 A2 financial and the All Saints Church community more specialist goods. There is professional service uses mainly development (see paragraph therefore evidence to suggest Banks, Estate Agents, Travel 9.2). that there is a market for more Agents; and a few Betting specialist shops such as a Offices. The most recent survey 7.5 One of the key aims of The delicatessen, fishmongers, health undertaken in 2004 indicated Birmingham Plan is to maintain food shops and cafes rather than there were 162 (58.06%) A1 retail and enhance existing centres and takeaways. The Action Plan seeks uses, 39 (13.98%) A2 uses, 25 provide shops, services, to retain the existing trade and (8.96%) A3 uses and 26 (9.32%) community and other facilities in improve the facilities to prevent vacant shops. Recent years have centres to meet local needs. any further loss of trade. seen an increase in the number Existing centres will continue to of charity shops and discount be the focus for new retail 7.2 King’s Heath shopping shops. When assessed against development. It is therefore centre is identified in The the indicators for measuring important that local centres are Birmingham Plan as a centre vitality and viability in town easily accessible by all modes of within which a Primary Retail centres provided in Planning transport including public Frontage policy may be Policy Guidance Note 6, King’s transport. A sustainable land use appropriate, however a policy has Heath proves to be a healthy, pattern should therefore be not yet been prepared. encouraged.

King’s Heath LOCAL ACTION PLAN 6 7.6 Given the size of King’s S2- Any future redevelopment TRANSPORTATION AND Heath and its extensive opportunities within King’s 8 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT catchment area, it is vital that the Heath should encourage mixed existing key retailers are retained use with retail on the ground 8.1 King’s Heath is a key and new investment is floor and appropriate uses of shopping centre attracting trade encouraged. The appointment of upper floors e.g. residential or from all over south Birmingham. a Town Centre Manager could aid office accommodation. It straddles a main highway route King’s Heath in maximising its into the city centre and it benefits potential and provide a key link S3- To encourage investment from frequent bus services. As between the City Council, from specialist retailers currently with many other shopping retailers and the local not in the centre. centres within the city there can community. The appointment of be congestion and there is a lack a Town Centre manager will be S4- General improvements to the of sufficient off street parking. investigated further. shopping environment to attract quality retailing. 8.2 The Local Action Plan 7.7 In accordance with policies recognises the importance of in The Birmingham Plan and S5- To encourage café uses with maintaining and improving the PPG6 new retail development pavement seating particularly in existing transport infrastructure should be concentrated within or, areas benefiting from wider and aims: where this is not possible, on the pavements. edge of the existing shopping To reduce the impact of traffic centre. In addition main S6- Support the Moseley Ward through King’s Heath centre entrances and windows should Development Plan’s proposals and adjoining residential areas. front on to the High Street and for a farmers’ market. To improve access for public Alcester Road South with active transport, pedestrians, cyclists window displays. S7- Redevelopment schemes that and car borne users. improve the shopping function To address environmental and 7.8 Policies and further upgrade and enhance safety concerns. S1- To encourage continued the centre will be encouraged. investment in retail in King’s 8.3 Overview Heath, either through new/ S8- To encourage the The A435 forms part of the City’s redevelopment or investment in appointment of a Town Centre Strategic Highway Network existing shop premises. There Manager. connecting Birmingham and are opportunities for small scale Redditch/M42. This forms an retail and mixed use important transport route into development within the centre the city centre and provides a for example on York Road. proportion of passing trade for King’s Heath shopping centre. The A4040 forms part of the Short Term Action Timescale Directorate outer circle route (a district distributor road) which forms an 1) Investigate the appointment of 6 months Development Directorate important route for east to west a Town Centre Manager (S8) communication. Vicarage Road 2) Identify ways in which to 12 months Development Directorate and Addison Road are B roads at encourage investment into the present, however their function is centre eg. set up Promotional as local distributor roads. Forum

King’s Heath LOCAL ACTION PLAN 7 King’s Heath is accessible by The following table contains Dad’s Lane, Avenue Road, and public transport with the No 50 results of an accident survey Grange Road to King’s Heath and the No.11 Outer Circle bus undertaken over the last five High Street. This route is showcase routes using Vicarage years for the High Street and supported by the Action Plan. Road and Addison Road. Many Alcester Road between its other important bus routes also junctions with Queensbridge and 8.5 Actions already undertaken pass through the centre. The Howard Road. 78% of accidents Local Action Plan supports took place in daylight hours and Action has been undertaken to further improvements to public 68% in dry road conditions. improve safety and accessibility. transport such as modifications This has included: to facilitate better interchange Accident by Casualty by and information and the review Severity Severity A number of road safety of routes and location of bus improvements have been stops. Fatal 2 4 implemented within the study Serious 10 10 area including build outs, road The Camp Hill Railway Line lies Slight 116 143 junction narrowing and traffic on the boundary of the Action calming measures in the side Plan area and currently provides Total 128 157 roads. for freight and limited through Avenue Road - Zebra Crossing passenger trains. The near to Grange Road crossing Birmingham Plan contains a The large volumes of traffic to park. principal objective to reserve the passing through the centre and Dad’s Lane - Puffin Crossing opportunity to open up the line pressure for parking from and Zebra Crossing. for passengers in the future, shoppers, residents and local Bus Showcase Scheme routes although this will require new traders, particularly at peak on 50 and No.11 (under way) passenger stations to be times, are creating a number of including new shelters, build provided. problems including: outs, road junction narrowing, traffic calming on surrounding There is limited available off- Congestion on the High Street. roads and amended Traffic street parking. King’s Heath ‘Rat running’ through Regulation Orders. relies heavily on on-street residential areas. Local Safety Scheme - parking which compounds the Conflict between local residents Restricted entry to Grange problem in the residential areas. and school traffic, particularly Road and Station Road and the There are opportunities to in the Wheelers Lane, Bagnell introduction of one-way improve the layout and Road, Portman Road area. restrictions in Bank Street. circulation of several car parks In All Saints Road, conflict with Safer Routes to School Scheme within the study area, including buses, residents and shoppers. - Wheelers Lane Primary the Lidl/Neighbourhood Office School. One-way restrictions in car park in Silver Street. Land at Bagnell Road with parking the rear of the parade would also 8.4 Cycling Facilities restrictions. have potential for parking uses. New roundabout at junction of There are no designated cycling Howard Road and Wheelers There continues to be a safety routes within the study area Lane. issue along the High Street with despite King’s Heath and Ring and Ride - Installation of a mix of pedestrian and through Moseley having one of the new bus stops and information traffic and there are a number of highest levels of cycling in the point in Alcester Road South schools within the study area city. There is a signed route near to Mossfield Road. where the school run adds to the passing through the action plan congestion and on-street parking area from the Rea Valley along problems. King’s Heath LOCAL ACTION PLAN 8 Cycling Facilities - Installation T6- To increase cycling facilities of cycle stands at various both through and around the locations in High Street and centre. Develop with interested Heathfield Road. groups improved cycling access and review the option of 8.6 Policies providing a safer route parallel to T1- To explore additional off the High Street. street parking facilities. Increase safe parking and reinvestigate a T7- To support the re- controlled parking zone within introduction of local passenger the area (this will be subject to rail services on the Camp Hill separate public consultation). railway line and ensure that any future development does not T2- To develop further traffic prejudice this from being management proposals for the provided in the future. area addressing the issues of loading, limited street parking, T8- To review the present traffic safety signage and condition of calming arrangements and footways. Review on-street and consider the needs of schools off-street parking arrangements. and other services. Improve delivery and service access including looking at T9- To explore traffic calming restriction times. measures on All Saints Road or re-routing of the buses. T3- To review safety issues within the High Street. T10- To continue to promote the ‘Safe Routes to Schools’ initiative T4- To review with bus operators by working with schools on and Centro present routes, bus school travel plans. interchange arrangements and improved access and investigate park and ride to serve the corridor to reduce through traffic levels. Short Term Action Timescale Directorate T5- To consider whether the present pedestrian facilities, 1) Review the work undertaken on Surveys to be Development Directorate pedestrian crossing, footpaths the High Street undertaken (Transportation Strategy) and disability access are within 6 appropriate, seek ways to reduce months clutter and excessive signage. 2) Rationalise existing signage 12 months Development Directorate Promote a co-ordinated design of and provision of new pedestrian (Transportation Strategy) street furniture and other signage improvements. 3) Promote walking and cycling Contact to be Development Directorate and school travel plans as part of made with (Transportation Strategy) the ‘Safe Routes to School’ local schools initiative within 6 months

King’s Heath LOCAL ACTION PLAN 9 9 ENVIRONMENT 9.2 All Saints Church 9.1 There is a general feeling All Saints’ Church is a Grade II amongst residents and users of Listed Building, which along with King’s Heath that the general its green spacious setting street scene could be improved. provides an important focal point The quality of the area can be a for King’s Heath. The church is major contributing factor in proposing to expand the existing attracting new investment. Major facilities and create a new retailers are more likely to locate community centre within the to an attractive vibrant centre church grounds. This will with a positive image. Many comprise the relocation of the factors can contribute to the existing doctors surgery at 1 feeling of decline of a centre Vicarage Road, pharmacy, elderly such as congestion, inadequate persons and youth facility, café pedestrian facilities, graffiti, litter and a new vicarage. This will and vacant land. Public involve the demolition of the consultation revealed that many existing vicarage and church hall. residents perceive the quality of Planning permission for the the environment in King’s Heath development was granted in to be poor compared with January 2005. All Saints’ Church neighbouring local centres such as Moseley. A particular area of concern was the land off All Saints Road/rear of 230 Alcester Road/Sainsburys. The action plan will seek to make environmental enhancements.

The new developments will be focused around a new community square and could provide a setting for a variety of activities from formal church events to a farmers’ market. The new square will serve the wider community and it will be essential to safeguard the provision of public toilet facilities. The proposals will also include improvements to the road junction for pedestrians and also the bus showcase route. The City Council supports the principle of this community project and is in active discussions with the Church and development partners to secure The Parade, High Street its implementation.

King’s Heath LOCAL ACTION PLAN 10 9.3 There are a number of Police) was set up, part funded CCTV system to cover the retail Environmental Initiatives that by the government. This provides area. With additional financial have been launched recently and a team of 10 constables and 1 support for the City Council, funded through the sergeant who are permanently on Centro and businesses this Neighbourhood Renewal Fund. foot patrol in the High Street scheme is now fully operational These include: between the hours of 10:00am and includes 14 cameras and 10:00pm Monday to covering the High Street and side ‘Enough is Enough’ Saturday. As a result crime has streets. Further assistance would This initiative identifies a number been reduced by 76% on the be required in generating the of different areas where High Street in the last 2 years. revenue element on an annual improvements can be made, basis. these are as follows: In addition King’s Heath Business Association was 9.5 Non-Conforming Uses ‘Bin 2 Win’ was originally set established and has raised The areas to the east and west of up for Moseley but has recently money towards Christmas lights the main High Street are been extended to King’s Heath and supported the CCTV characterised by residential High Street. This scheme scheme. The King’s Heath terraced properties. However, encourages people to put their Business Association have also there are several long established litter from takeaway food raised money through industrial uses located within the outlets in the bin by providing advertising in their Directory and residential neighbourhoods. a prize draw if people put their provided 2 retail radios and one Whilst there is no immediate contact details on their rubbish mobile phone. action that can be taken to and put it in the bin. remove these non-conforming Thirty new litterbins are being The King’s Heath Community uses, the redevelopment of these provided across the ward. Safety Partnership (including sites for more appropriate, An Environmental Enforcement Birmingham City Council, West preferably residential, uses will Warden has been appointed. Midlands Police, King’s Heath be encouraged as and when the A phone line has been set up Business Association, Centro and sites become available for which is dedicated to receiving King’s Heath Neighbourhood redevelopment. Any future referrals about environmental Forum) was established to take proposals for non-conforming matters. advantage of the Government’s uses will be discouraged. Regular rubbish removals. Home Office funds to develop a

In addition to the ‘Enough is Enough’ scheme, ‘Run a Muck’ is a community composting scheme, which involves the collection of garden waste.

9.4 Community Safety Perceptions of safety can have an impact on the vitality of a shopping centre. People have a tendency to shop in an environment where they feel safe in terms of both crime and road safety. With regards to tackling crime, in May 2001 a Crime CCTV in Fighting Team ( King’s Heath

King’s Heath LOCAL ACTION PLAN 11 9.6 Policies E6- Any future proposals for non- HISTORIC E1- Environmental improvements conforming uses in residential 10 ENVIRONMENT including new street furniture, areas will be discouraged. bins,seating,paving,tree planting, Removal of existing non- 10.1 There are no designated hanging baskets and lighting will conforming uses and Conservation Areas within the be investigated. A coordinated replacement with residential uses plan area, however there are approach to the design of such will be encouraged as and when some Listed Buildings. These facilities will be promoted. they come forward for include the Hare and Hounds development. Public House at the junction of E2- Support further community High Street and York Road and safety initiatives within the E7- Improve the pavements in All Saints’ Church, which are shopping centre and in particular the area and remove unnecessary both statutory Grade II Listed. the revenue elements of the clutter such as illegal Number 37 Avenue Road, which CCTV system. advertisement boards and was a former button factory, is provide fingerposts at junctions. locally listed. Proposals which E3- Environmental improvements would adversely affect listed to the rear of Sainsbury’s i.e. E8- Remove fly posting and buildings and their settings planting, improved landscaping graffiti. within the plan area will not and better lighting will be normally be allowed. investigated. E9- Support the All Saints Community Development Project E4- General shopfront to create a new public square, improvements to enhance the community facilities and re- overall appearance of the main located doctors surgery. shopping area will be encouraged and must be in E10- Support the Neighbourhood accordance with the City Renewal Fund projects ‘Enough Council’s adopted Shopfronts is Enough’, ‘Run a Muck’ and Design Guide. ‘Empty Properties’ schemes.

E5- Owners are encouraged to King’s Heath bring vacant properties back into Baptist Church appropriate use.

Short Term Action Timescale Directorate

1) Explore opportunity to erect 6 months Local Services Directorate hanging baskets in the High (Leisure Services) Street. Contact to be made with 10.2 There are two known Horticultural College(E1) archaeological sites within the 2) Investigate possibility of King’s 6 months Local Services Directorate Local Action Plan. These are the Heath having its own Street (Environmental/Consumer Hare and Hounds Moated Site Wardens Services) on York Road which dates back to the Medieval period and a site 3) Removal of A-boards/Sandwich 6 months Local Services Directorate where Roman Coins were found Boards: Explore alternatives and (Regulatory Services) on All Saints Road (see set up meeting with Business proposals map appendix 2). Association to discuss Green Hill Road Medieval Moat sponsorship of new fingerposts site immediately adjoins the (E8) Local Action Plan boundary.

King’s Heath LOCAL ACTION PLAN 12 HOUSING H3- Promote the ‘Living Above 11 The Shop’ initiative. 11.1 Other than the main High Street shopping area, the study H4- Housing Department to area is predominantly residential explore the possibility of and is characterised by pre-1919 implementing an Equity Release Victorian and Edwardian terraced Scheme in the King’s Heath area. houses with the majority of houses in private ownership. There has been very little new housing built within the plan EDUCATION area with the majority of new 12 housing being built on previously 12.1 King’s Heath benefits from developed land and providing for a range of schools from pre- the removal of existing non- school to senior school and conforming uses. further education level. Several of the schools provide additional 11.2 During the plan preparation services to the wider community. consultation process many The following schools are located 141 High Street respondents commented that within the study area: there are too many empty properties in King’s Heath. In NURSERY - Wheelers Lane. 10.3 There are a number of July 2003 there were approx. 120 buildings of architectural merit empty properties recorded within JUNIOR and INFANT - Wheelers along the High Street, which are the study area boundary, with the Lane, St Dunstans RC, King’s being considered for the Local highest concentration being in Heath Junior, Infant and Nursery. List or even Statutory Listing. Station Road, Grange Road and These include King’s Heath York Road. Although many of SECONDARY - Wheelers Lane Baptist Church, HSBC, 96 High these properties are in private Boys, Bishop Challoner Catholic Street and Select Clothing at 141 ownership and there is limited School, Queensbridge School. High Street. action that the City Council can take, this plan supports the City FURTHER EDUCATION - Bishop 10.4 Policies Council’s ‘Empty Homes Challoner Sixth Form. HE1- Retain existing buildings of Strategy’. Through this strategy architectural merit. There are the Council seeks to encourage 12.2 Recent Developments some fine examples of Victorian owners to bring empty dwellings A new Sports Centre for school Architecture e.g. HSBC, Hare and back into use or as a last resort and community use at Bishop Hounds PH, Hedges Building (1- by using Compulsory Purchase Challoner Catholic School has 9 Alcester Road South), and Powers. recently been completed. Select Clothing at 141 High Street. Although primarily a school 11.3 Policies facility, the sports hall will be HE2- Any new development H1- Improve the condition of the open to the public in the should build on the character of existing stock. evenings and at weekends as the remaining Victorian part of the planning agreement buildings. H2- Bring empty properties back (refer to Policy L2). The planning into use by supporting the City approval also includes a HE3- Protect archaeological Council’s ‘Empty Homes condition for 26 parking spaces remains. Strategy’. to be provided for shopper’s between 09:00 and 17:00 hours.

King’s Heath LOCAL ACTION PLAN 13 12.3 Future Developments LEISURE 13.2 There is an additional The Local Education Authority is 13 children’s playground within the proposing the re-development of 13.1 The Action Plan area abuts Local Action Plan boundary at the entire Wheelers Lane School the boundary of two of the City’s the corner of Alcester Road campus incorporating the finest parks: King’s Heath Park South, Howard Road East and nursery, junior and infant and and Highbury Park. These are Albert Road. The residential secondary schools into a new recognised within the streets to the east of the High primary school and technical Birmingham Plan for their Street adjoining Valentine Road college. This will be a Private landscape value with Highbury and Springfield Road are a Finance Initiative (PFI) and is Hall and Park listed in the considerable distance from known as ‘PPP2 - Schools’. It is National Register of Parks and children’s play facilities. Should hoped the new schools will be Gardens of Special Historic any suitable sites come forward, built and occupied by Summer Interest. The Local Action Plan the action plan will encourage 2007. It is proposed that the re- seeks to reinforce this and the development of play facilities building programme will be maintain its status. Not only do in this area. carried out in phases in order to these two parks provide an allow the school to remain open important recreational asset to 13.3 There are no allotments during the construction period. the area but they also contribute within the Local Action Plan This is likely to include to the local economy. An annual boundary, however there are temporary classroom gardeners’ festival and flower several on the fringes. King’s accommodation. show is held in King’s Heath Heath and Moseley are one of Park, which also attracts visitors the areas within the City with the Any redevelopment should from outside the area. There is highest demand for allotments. address the parking/traffic and also a Horticultural College However, the turnover for access situation. The opportunity within the grounds of King’s allotment allocations is low as for the whole campus to be Heath Park. people wish to retain their plots. accessed off Wheelers Lane to As allotments become occupied deter school traffic through the very quickly there is always a residential areas of Bagnell Road waiting list. should be explored. Redevelopment of this site should comply with City Council policy to promote walking to school under the ‘Safe Routes to School Initiative’.

The ‘Safe Routes to School Short Term Action Timescale Directorate Initiative’ should be promoted 1) Start dialogue between Bishop 6 months Selly Oak District Manager throughout the plan area and all Challenor School and Leisure schools should explore initiatives Services on community access to such as ‘Walking Buses’ and safe new sports hall and pricing crossing points (see Transport Policy T8 and T10). 2) Discuss how Section 106 6 months Local Services Directorate monies from Reddings Lane (Leisure Services) development is to be spent in Highbury Park. Discussions to take place between Leisure Services, Friends of Highbury Park and Neighbourhood Forum

King’s Heath LOCAL ACTION PLAN 14 13.4 As a result of the Golf THE WAY FORWARD number of proposals which Course development, two thirds 14 through continued partnership of the allotments at Billesley 14.1 The Local Action Plan has can be achieved in the shorter Lane will be lost. The Action Plan been prepared by Birmingham term. seeks to retain the remaining City Council in partnership with allotments within the vicinity and local residents, community 14.4 The policies and proposals will be looking to increase the groups, the traders’ association, set out in the Action Plan will existing stock as and when local ward members and King’s now form the basis of discussion suitable sites become available. Heath Neighbourhood Forum. with landowners, businesses, The policies and proposals set relevant Council departments 13.5 Policies out in the plan represent the and other agencies in order to L1- Support the implementation views and aspirations of the local achieve their implementation. of play facilities in King’s Heath community. The plan will be used to bid for Park. new resources. 14.2 The objective of the Local L2- Ensure the new sports hall at Action Plan is to maintain King’s 14.5 There will be development Bishop Challoner School is Heath’s role as a major district opportunities that will arise available for use by the centre in the south of outside the Local Action Plan wider community. Birmingham with shops and boundary that will have potential other key services providing a to generate significant benefits L3- Support the City Council’s focal point for the local for the plan area. Where such Allotment Strategy. As there are community by retaining key opportunities do arise, all effort no allotments within the study retailers and attracting new will be made to maximise area, every effort should be made investors and to improve the linkages to and benefits for the to protect sites close to the area. environment and the shopping plan area. Examples of nearby Should suitable land become experience for those visiting the developments where such available it should be considered centre. benefits will be explored include for allotment use. proposed improvements at 14.3 The City Council recognises Queensbridge School and any L4- Explore opportunities for that many of the proposals set proposals that come forward for funding for investment in out in the Local Action Plan may Chamberlain House within Highbury Park. take a number of years to be Highbury Park. realised. However there are a L5- Encourage appropriate tree planting and landscaping within any new development.

L6- Explore funding opportunities for replacing tennis facilities in King’s Heath Park. Childrens play area, King’s L7- Encourage the provision of Heath Park play facilities in the residential areas to the east of the High Street.

King’s Heath LOCAL ACTION PLAN 15 15 APPENDICES Appendix 1 PROPOSALS MAP

King’s Heath LOCAL ACTION PLAN 16 Appendix 2 Should the scheme not proceed DEVELOPMENT there would be the opportunity OPPORTUNITIES to consider a more comprehensive residential 16.1 King’s Heath is a densely development. built up area with limited land availability for development. 16.4 York Road However, there are a number of There are several properties sites where recent planning which lie within the retail core approvals have been granted or which would benefit from where preliminary discussions investment/ improvement. have taken place between the City Council and developers. 16.5 Findlay Road This site comprises three large 16.2 Land at Rear of 51-67 High retail/warehouse units and Street (The Parade) ancillary car parking. The unit at This site situated between the the rear of the site has been rear of 51-67 High Street and vacant for some time and King’s Heath Junior and Infant presents an investment School is vacant. There have opportunity. There has been a been previous planning recent planning approval for approvals for the use of this site change of use to an indoor for a car park and also erection children’s play facility. In the of a B1 factory unit and ancillary longer term, the Unitary warehousing. Neither of these Development Plan reserves the schemes have been possibility of re-opening the implemented, although the Camp Hill railway line for local approval for the B1 unit does not passengers. Should development expire until March 2006. proposals for this area come forward the opportunity for of re- Should the B1 Unit not be providing a train station at King’s developed, the site would have Heath and associated car parking potential for parking. should be safeguarded.

16.3 9-27 Heathfield Road Planning permission has recently been granted for the conversion of the existing shops and offices into residential accommodation and the erection of a new brick- built warehouse building in the rear yard. This will involve the demolition of several of the existing buildings at the rear and improvements to the parking, circulation and storage areas.

King’s Heath LOCAL ACTION PLAN 17 USEFUL DOCUMENTS CONTACT INFORMATION Most Birmingham City Council publications can The Birmingham Plan Planning Birmingham Unitary Local Planning be made available in Development Plan 2005 Richard Thomas (0121) 303 2238 alternative formats or Kazi Hussain (0121) 303 3453 languages. Mature Suburbs Residential Development Planning Control Guidelines (interim Paul Buckenham (0121) 303 1115 If you have difficulty Supplementary Planning Conservation reading this document Guidance) Draft February 2005 Steven King (0121) 303 1115 please call us on (0121) Archaeological Strategy Design Policy 303 2238 to ask if a full or Supplementary Planning Kate Snell (0121) 303 3223 summary version can be Guidance February 2004 made available in large print, another format or The Birmingham Plan Transportation Strategy Birmingham Unitary Chris Haynes (0121) 303 7421 another language. Development Plan Adopted July 1993 If you have hearing Environmental & Consumer The Birmingham Plan Services difficulties please call us Alterations and Environmental Louise Elliot (0121) 303 9800 via Typetalk 18001 0121 Appraisal Deposit Draft 2001 303 2238.

Shopping in Birmingham Local Services District Director Places for All Chris Jordan Supplementary Planning Guidance November 2001

Places for Living Supplementary Planning Guidance March 2001 This document can also be viewed on the Planning section Shopfront Design Guide of the Birmingham City Council Supplementary Planning website: Guidance April 1996 www.birmingham.gov.uk Moseley Ward Development Plan Produced by: 2001 Birmingham City Council Development Directorate Planning PO Box 28 Alpha Tower Suffolk Street Queensway Birmingham B1 1TU

King’s Heath LOCAL ACTION PLAN 18 King’sHeath LOCAL ACTION PLAN January 2006

www.birmingham.gov.uk