The Wider Botanical Gardens Area: Framework

The Wider Botanical Gardens Area Framework

August 2014 Contact

Economy Directorate Birmingham City Council

Click: Email: consultation_P&R [email protected]

Web: www.birmingham.gov.uk/widerbotanicalgardensarea

Call: Telephone: Keith Watson (0121) 303 9868

Visit: Ofﬁ ce: 1 Lancaster Circus Birmingham B4 7DJ

Post: P.O. Box 2470 Birmingham B1 1TR

You can ask for a copy of this document in large print, another format or another language. We aim to supply what you need within ten working days. Call (0121) 303 9868 If you have hearing difﬁ culties please call us via Typetalk 18001 0121 303 9868 or email us at the above address.

Plans contained within this document are based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Ofﬁ ce.

Foreword 1

Introduction 2

Context 4

Vision 6

Consideration of key assets 8

Policy context 12

Issues and Challenges 14

The Opportunity 16

Delivery 18

contents / the wider botanical gardens area framework To Lichfield

Blake Street

Not to Scale

Butlers Lane

Four Oaks

Sutton Coldfield HS2 A452 A5127

A453

Wylde Green

To Walsall

Birmingham Metro A453 Chester Road M42

Birmingham Canal A452 Hamstead Erdington M5 M6 Birmingham & Fazeley Canal A34 A5127 A38

To Manchester Spaghetti Junction Perry Barr Gravelly Hill HS2

Witton

Sandwell & Dudley A47

A41 Aston A38M HS2 Smethwick Galton Bridge M6 M42 Smethwick Rolfe Street Birmingham & Fazeley Canal Langley Green Birmingham Canal A47 Birmingham & Warwick A4040 HS2 Birmingham Junction Canal To Worcester Duddeston City Centre Stechford A457 Snow Hill Adderley Park Lea Hall Moor Street A4540 New Street Ring Road Bordesley A456 Five Ways Marston Green The Wider Small Heath A45 Botanical Gardens Area Worcester & Birmingham Canal Birmingham Airport & NEC A38 Tyseley Birmingham University A41 International Acocks Green A34 Spring Road Grand Union Canal To London B4121 Selly Oak Olton Hall Green A435 To Warwick A38 Bournville

M5 Yardley Wood Stratford-upon-Avon Canal Kings Norton

Northfield

Shirley A441

A38 Longbridge

B4096 To Stratford-upon-Avon

Plan 1 Location Plan

the wider botanical gardens area framework / foreword Foreword 1

The area surrounding Birmingham Botanical Gardens has a unique character, and is home to a number of important organisations. The City is keen to ensure that they all have a bright future, but also that the character of the area is maintained.

This framework sets out clear recommendations for the wider Botanical Gardens Area, to facilitate the investment potential of several important sport and education providers as well as Birmingham Botanical Gardens itself. It provides a co-ordinated local vision for the area building upon the strategic approach within the emerging Birmingham Development Plan.

It is our aim to ensure that the wider Botanical Gardens Area becomes known as an important location for ﬁ rst class leisure, sport and education provision within Birmingham. This will be achieved by ensuring the delivery of high quality facilities ﬁ t for the 21st Century.

This framework will help to secure a co-ordinated approach to investment proposals, assisting the Botanical Gardens, leisure organisations and schools to develop with conﬁ dence. The Council is committed to working with the local community, businesses and partners to achieve the goals set out in this framework, and invites you to comment on our proposals.

Councillor Tahir Ali Cabinet Member for Development, Transport and the Economy Birmingham City Council

foreword / the wider botanical gardens area framework 2 Introduction

The area bounded by Westbourne Road, Richmond Hill Road, Farquhar Road and the railway, (see Plan 2) referred to as the wider Botanical Gardens Area, is a unique area of Birmingham. It is characterised by green, open spaces with a number of nationally and locally signiﬁ cant leisure, recreational and educational uses which reﬂ ect the area’s rich history.

The area is surrounded by some The management of these assets the Development Plan, it does of Birmingham’s most prestigious lies in the hands of each of the have a valuable role in helping to housing and Edgbaston Ward main occupiers. To maintain what is support the delivery of appropriate remains one of Birmingham’s special about the area and to tackle Development Plan policies and premier suburbs. some of the problems requires objectives, defi ning how they are a co-ordinated programme of to be applied in the context of site The importance of both the historic investment. It is clear, however, that specifi c delivery. It is hoped all and green environment is refl ected the historical and environmental parties will commit to it, endorse in that the whole of the area falls assets that are worthy of protection its content and use it as a means of within Edgbaston Conservation in themselves impose considerable guiding and encouraging ongoing Area and the following constraints on the ability to investment. considerations are also recognised. invest. These assets have to keep pace with modern demands and There are: needs if they are to remain viable, competitive and attractive in the • Two nationally recognised parks future. and gardens of specifi c historic interest (Birmingham Botanical To maintain the area’s uniqueness Gardens and The Guinea and make it suitable to meet the Gardens). demands of the 21st century is beyond any one occupier or user. • 3 areas of Protected Trees (Tree To move forward requires a shared Preservation Orders). vision, an agreed set of priorities • 7 Listed Buildings of and action and collective effort. historic and/or architectural This framework has been prepared importance. to facilitate and support this process. • 2 sites of local importance for nature conservation. Purpose of document The City Council considers a • 5 different sports playing fi elds. framework document to be an appropriate way to identify: • 2 private sports clubs. • An area of historic allotments • What is special about the area. (the Guinea Gardens). • What needs to be protected • Important links in two wildlife and enhanced. corridors. • Issues and problems that detract from the area. The area is home to Birmingham Botanical Gardens, some of the • How to address those issues. best independent schools in the country, a number of substantial • A vision for the area. residential properties, a public • A set of opportunities and house/restaurant and offi ces. actions to encourage ongoing These activities, however, generate investment and maintenance. considerable vehicular trips within the general area. Peak period • A proposed way forward. congestion raises concerns about current highway capacity and Whilst this Framework does not parking issues in the area. carry the same formal status as PlanImage ? 1Environment/Constraints Botanical Gardens

the wider botanical gardens area framework / introduction 3

Not to Scale

Westbourne Road

Richmond Hill Road

Cross City Line

Farquhar Road

The Vale Halls of Residence

Worcester & Birmingham Canal © Crown Copyright . All rights reserved Birmingham City Council 100021326,2014 Copyright . All rights reserved © Crown © Copyright Geoperspectives supplied by Bluesky International Ltd.

Plan 2 The Wider Botanical gardens Area

introduction / the wider botanical gardens area framework 224 Context

This area forms part of the historic Calthorpe Estate, purchased by Sir Richard Gough in 1717, and subsequently added to. Originally the parkland and surrounding fi elds to Edgbaston Hall; Edgbaston was largely developed in the fi rst half of the nineteenth century as a prestigious residential estate. Large parts of Edgbaston now fall within the Edgbaston Conservation Area, characterised by tree-lined avenues, substantial houses and signifi cant areas of open space.

Edgbaston is a high-quality, high- The Chad brook passes through the value suburb, and the key assets area and is subject to occasional found within the Wider Botanical fl ooding. The fl ood corridor and a Gardens Area refl ect this. Opened number of other environmental and in 1832, the Botanical Gardens constraints are shown on Plan 3. cover 6 hectares of land and is an important facility attracting many A number of high-quality, high- visitors to the area and to the city. value residential properties are also in the vicinity fronting Westbourne Edgbaston is widely regarded Road, Richmond Hill Road, and as offering some of the best on Farquhar Road. The other independent schools in the properties within the study area country. 11 independent primary comprise The White Swan, a pub/ and secondary schools are present restaurant, and Westbourne Manor, within the locality, 3 having now occupied as an offi ces for operations within the boundaries Pertemps. of the Framework Area itself. Each of the 3 schools has their own designated playing fi eld.

A number of sports clubs utilise land surrounding the Botanical Gardens; the Edgbaston Archery and Lawn Tennis Society (EALTS) and Edgbaston Croquet Club are both well-established. There are two unused former playing ﬁ elds, one off Richmond Hill Road, the other to the rear of Farquhar Road.

Towards the south of the site, complementing the horticultural presence of the Botanical Gardens, are the Guinea Gardens – ‘Westbourne Road Allotments’ – which date back to the late 18th century. They are the last remaining example of groups of detached rented gardens in Birmingham and one of only four such sites remaining in the country. The Gardens are Grade II listed on English Heritage’s Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.

PlanImage ? 2Environment/Constraints Botanical Gardens

the wider botanical gardens area framework / context 225

Not to Scale

UCE (Westbourne Campus)

Road Westbourne Harborne Road Edgbaston High School

Botanical Gardens

Hallfield School

Church Road

Cross City Railway The Vale Halls of Residence

Hill Road

Richmond

© Crown Copyright . All rights reserved Birmingham City Council 100021326,2014 Copyright . All rights reserved © Crown © Copyright Geoperspectives supplied by Bluesky International Ltd. Ed b Key: Environment/Constraints

Historic Gardens Framework Boundary Flood Zone 2 and Parks

Conservation Area Boundary Statutorily Listed Buildings Flood Zone 3

Wildlife Corridors Tree Preservation Order

Plan 3 Environment/Constraints

context / the wider botanical gardens area framework 6 Vision

The vision for the wider Botanical former West Midlands Police Gardens area is: sports ground to deliver upgraded facilities for the • to offer nationally recognised Edgbaston Girls High School. leisure attractions, a ﬁ rst class independent education offer • Improving connectivity – a and sporting facilities that are new access is provided second to none. easing pressure on the local road network and providing • to secure ongoing investment additional car parking serving to maintain, enhance and the Botanical Gardens, EALTS, promote its position as a the Guinea Gardens, The premier destination of choice. Croquet Club, West House School and Edgbaston Girls • to have improved access and High school. parking, and • Enhancing environmental • that the historic, environmental and historical character and landscape assets that make - maintaining the best of the the area unique have been areas assets and providing maintained and upgraded. the context to secure new funding for maintenance and The aim is to achieve this over the investment. next 5-10 years. • Promoting sustainability – This vision is both aspirational providing opportunities to and challenging and recognises demonstrate best practice that to maintain what is already in sustainable development exceptional and unique about and delivering an area that the area requires ongoing minimises its carbon footprint. commitment and investment from the land owners and occupiers. Implementation requires a uniﬁ ed approach to taking the area forward which this framework provides.

Objectives Alongside this vision this framework also sets out the conditions and opportunities necessary to attract investment and renewal. These include:

• Securing appropriate levels of growth - opportunities are provided for the Botanical Gardens, EALTS tennis club and the Croquet club to invest in, expand and enhance their facilities.

• Rationalising and enhancing playing pitch provision – the framework maintains school playing ﬁ eld provision and brings back in to use the

the wider botanical gardens area framework / vision 7

Image 3 EALTS and Botanical Gardens

vision / the wider botanical gardens area framework 8 Consideration of key assets

Birmingham Botanical Gardens At present, the Society has 12 The Lawn Tennis Association operate as an independent courts (6 grass, 4 shale, 2 artifi cial is believed to be supportive in educational charity and unlike grass), however all are outdoors, principle of expansion and new many other similar botanic gardens, which constrains use especially development, but requires security such as Edinburgh or Kew, are in winter. In order to remain of tenure through a renewed lease self-fi nancing. Attractions on site competitive, the Society must as a condition of any funding being include the Gardens themselves be able to operate throughout granted. (recognised as an historic park and the year, in-keeping with modern garden), with over 7,000 plants on tennis being an all-year game. Edgbaston Croquet Club has been display, four historic glasshouses, Many associated facilities with the located on its current site since a tearoom, gift shop and plant existing courts are also outdated. 1915. Although it is recognised sales area, gallery and facilities that croquet is a minority sport for corporate events, banqueting, The tennis courts are, at times, compared to tennis, the club has conferences and weddings. The under-utilised during the daytime, aspirations to expand its facilities grounds retain much of their and there may be an opportunity and create a higher profi le for itself. original 1832 layout and are a Site to increase local school’s use of The club is self-funding at present of Local Importance for Nature them. There is an already existent and seeks to attract external Conservation (SLINC). The Gardens partnership in place which allows funding in order to increase its are a major visitor attraction to West House and Edgbaston infl uence. Birmingham and are keen to High Schools to use the Society’s continue to be able to make an facilities for junior tournaments. Membership is near capacity for its ongoing positive contribution to current facilities, with three full-size the city. Access to the club, via a narrow lawns and a small basic clubhouse. single width lane is poor and egress The current facilities are adequate The Gardens have aspirations to onto Westbourne Road dangerous to hold national tournaments, increase the range of facilities and with restricted vision. Parking is however there are aspirations to attractions on offer, however, plans, limited. There is a need to improve have 4+ courts which would not including one for a new glasshouse, these elements; however the club is only allow a larger membership cannot be implemented due to unlikely to be able to pursue these base to be accommodated but also poor access and constrained changes without external fi nancial would facilitate larger competitions parking. There is limited available assistance. Aspirations exist for new to international level. space to expand, meaning that indoor and all-weather facilities, such underlying constraints cannot and the club may need additional Expansion has been under easily be overcome. The gardens land in order to accommodate consideration for some time, but are currently re-assessing their these. costs and funding have not been business model and are keen to explore how to maximise visitor numbers, provide improved educational facilities and become an exemplar of addressing the eco/ sustainability agenda.

Edgbaston Archery and Lawn Tennis Society (EALTS) is the oldest continuously operating tennis club in the world, and the second largest in Birmingham. Recent investment at the nearby Priory tennis club, also in Edgbaston, has increased competition. EALTS has an excellent reputation for junior coaching and wishes to remain competitive through strengthening their existing facilities and securing their long term future through a new lease. Image 4 Edgbaston Archery and Lawn Tennis Society (EALTS)

the wider botanical gardens area framework / consideration of key assets 9 fully explored at present as the required additional land had not been identiﬁ ed. Sharing of lawn facilities would not be appropriate due to the croquet lawns being mono-functional, but a shared clubhouse facility, possibly with the tennis club could be considered.

Image 5 Edgbaston Croquet Club Image 6 Guinea Gardens

Edgbaston Guinea Gardens are not only a historical asset for the Wider Botanical Gardens Area, but also a local community asset. A number of original features remain – chieﬂ y hedgerows – enabling English Heritage to include the site as Grade II Listed in its Register of Parks and Gardens and Gardens of Special Historic Interest. It is also listed as a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation (SLINC).

There are no major problems with the site, however there are occasional minor issues with ﬂ ooding. There is a waiting list for allotment plots to become available but expansion has not been considered. Access is not ideal; it shares the substandard row access road with EALTS, and there is no dedicated parking.

Image 7 Guinea Gardens

consideration of key assets / the wider botanical gardens area framework 10

Edgbaston High School for Girls founded in 1876, is Birmingham’s oldest independent school for girls. It has over 940 students aged 2 ½ to 18 and provides a very high standard of education. In recent years the school has undergone a period of refurbishment and major development. It opened a new all-weather surface playing fi eld for hockey, netball and tennis in 2007, refurbished its swimming pool in summer 2008, as well as continuing to maintain a state of the art gymnasium. It also has playing fi elds providing a running track, rounders pitches and cricket square. In 2011, a £3.5 million development programme added a Image 8 Edgbaston High School for Girls new Sixth Form centre, new library and fi tness suite to the School’s Although the main teaching contained and there are no major facilities. campus is located outside the issues with their site or operations Wider Botanical Gardens Area on at present. There is suffi cient on-site parking St James Road, the school has for staff and visitors, however, traffi c access to the Richmond Hill playing The White Swan public house generated by pick-up and drop-offs fi elds which include two full-size lies just south of Westbourne at the beginning and end of the football pitches, a cricket square Manor, and is a popular eating and school day can be a problem. and pavilion. There is no dedicated drinking venue. It has a sizeable car parking, parents and users having park. Hallfi eld School a leading co- to park on the road. educational day preparatory school The vacant fi elds off Richmond Hill for 550 children aged between 3 Pertemps are one of the UK’s Road and to the rear of Farquhar months and 11 years. The school largest recruitment agencies and Road have been used in recent has extensive facilities including an have an offi ce at Westbourne times as sports pitches, for bowls extensive 4 hectare playing fi eld, Manor to the site’s north-west. and for police dog training, well equipped sports hall and an Their offi ces are generally self- however these activities no longer all weather area. The school is set within an 8 hectare campus. Whilst providing pupil drop off facilities, these are regularly over stretched causing congestion on Church Road. The school is developing plans to increase their parking provision and consider ways of improving safety. The school also has medium and long term aspirations to upgrade and improve their facilities through selective redevelopment and site rationalisation.

West House School is a preparatory day school for boys between the ages of 4 and 11, with a nursery caring for children from the age of twelve months. Image 9 Hallﬁ eld School

the wider botanical gardens area framework / consideration of key assets 11 operate. There may therefore be opportunities to put these currently vacant spaces back into use whilst maintaining the character of the area.

Residential properties ﬂ ank three sides of the area with two substantial houses on Westbourne Road, maisonettes and a 12 storey tower block fronting Richmond Hill Road and substantial detached properties along Farquhar Road. A large parcel of land between the West House playing ﬁ eld and the Botanical Gardens is currently used as a private garden area.

PlanImage ? 10Environment/Constraints The White Swan

Image 11 Farquar Road East

consideration of key assets / the wider botanical gardens area framework 12 Policy context

The National Planning Policy Framework states that there is a need to achieve sustainable development; growth which meets the needs of today, with minimal adverse impact.

One aspect towards achieving playing ﬁ elds will not normally sustainable development is be allowed”. Whilst paragraph through conserving and enhancing 3.60 places further importance the historic environment (NPPF, on the provision of sports pitches section 12); particularly relevant and playing ﬁ elds; “The quality given the historical context of of sports pitches is important. the Edgbaston area. A need to Encouragement will continue to protect Birmingham’s historical be given to improvements, for listed buildings is highlighted example to changing facilities, in paragraph 3.25 of the city’s and to the provision of all-weather Unitary Development Plan, with pitches, which can be used more Conservation Areas, such as intensively than grass pitches”, Edgbaston, being a “powerful a stance which facilitates the means of preserving the best numerous sports clubs and schools of historical and architectural seeking to develop and expand in heritage” (paragraph 3.20). the area.

The number of playing fi elds in Chapter 16 of the UDP focuses the Wider Botanical Gardens area specifi cally on Edgbaston. Due also means that consideration to the area’s desirable character must be given to the NPPF’s and high quality residential ‘Promoting Healthy Communities’ environment, the UDP does not section (section 8). This promotes foresee any proposals for large access to high quality open spaces parts of the district. High quality and opportunities for sport and improvements to existing facilities recreation and sets out the need will be encouraged, subject to the to protect existing playing fi elds, need to safeguard local amenity open space, sports and recreational (paragraph 16.15). buildings unless: there is a clear surplus in provision; or that the loss This policy context is also refl ected would be replaced by equivalent or in the Birmingham Development better provision in terms of quality Plan 2031, as submitted to the and quantity; or the development is Secretary of State in July 2014. required for alternative sports and Once adopted it will replace and recreational provision, the need for supersede the Birmingham Unitary which clearly outweighs the loss. Development Plan (UDP). In this case, a signifi cant amount of work is being undertaken to understand the aspirations of the various educational, sports and leisure users of the site and there is clear opportunity to signifi cantly improve the overall quality of provision on a reconfi gured and logically arranged site.

Paragraph 3.57 of Birmingham’s UDP echoes the stance of the NPPF by saying that “Development on

the wider botanical gardens area framework / policy context 13

Image 12 Botanical Gardens

policy context / the wider botanical gardens area framework 14 Issues and challenges

Those features and characteristics that make the Wider Botanical Gardens Area unique require ongoing investment and maintenance to ensure their continued special status. For example listed buildings and historic gardens need to be maintained, school facilities kept up to date and visitor facilities enhanced to meet changing needs and aspirations. Many people expect to travel to these facilities by car and expect safe access and egress and adequate parking facilities. Many of the area’s unique features, however, pose development constraints that are not easily overcome and have prohibited investments and improvements. Given this the area now has a number of pressing problems. These may be summarised as:

General Issues upgrade existing facilities, encourages developments in • Capacity of roads, with including the clubhouse. the wider area which contribute congestion particularly at peak This cannot be achieved towards and provide the times and the beginning and without security of tenure opportunities for delivering an end of the school day. and additional land for enhanced network for all modes development. of transport. The Framework also • Pressure on parking places supports and encourages the with limited scope to increase • Croquet Club: Has long implementation of Travel Plans provision. term aspirations for a fourth in order to vary the modes of lawn to attract international transport that are used. • Poor access to several of the tournaments and increase facilities. membership levels. This would Highways: require additional land. The framework boundary • Limited opportunities for includes Westbourne Road and expansion sites or new • Guinea Gardens: would benefi t Harborne Road which form part development opportunities. from better, safer, access and of Birmingham’s Strategic Road dedicated parking. Hierarchy, and are classifi ed as main • Issues over leases and long distributor roads. The other roads term security acting as a • Schools: Ongoing investment forming the boundary, namely hindrance to securing funding. by the schools can be Richmond Hill Road and Farquhar constrained by factors imposed Road, are classifi ed as Link Roads. • Pressures to maintain listed by the Conservation Area. These roads provide the main buildings and conserve historic access between Harborne, the City landscapes. • Playing Fields: Some of the Centre and Birmingham’s Strategic playing fi elds are affected by Highway Network. As a result, Site specifi c challenges poor drainage and occasional the capacity of roads is a matter • Botanical Gardens: Previous fl ooding. of concern for local residents, plans for new visitor facilities with congestion at junctions and and expansion have been Transport and Connectivity on certain roads, particularly hindered by an inability It is important to ensure that at peak times. All proposals to provide additional car each activity is well connected brought forward must take into parking and improve upon to the existing streets, and easily account the sensitive nature of the their constrained access. The accessible from surrounding immediate road network, and will Gardens have a desire to residential areas. Development of need to mitigate against potential provide new investment and facilities will need to incorporate additional traffi c which could be facilities but have limited scope safe, direct, legible, well attracted to the area. to achieve this. The listed glass overlooked and well lit routes for all houses also need signifi cant road users, including pedestrians Locally, there is a desire for junction investment and maintenance. and cyclists. improvements, particularly at the Improving the transport network junction of Westbourne Road, • EALTS: Access to the site is in the area is crucial to ensuring Harborne Road and Richmond Hill poor and parking provision is that the area thrives and has a Road. Any major development limited. There is a desire to sustainable future. To achieve that comes forward will need to provide indoor facilities and this, this framework supports and undertake a Transport Assessment

the wider botanical gardens area framework / issues and challenges 15 which will, amongst other is a key objective within the and from the Botanical Gardens measures, consider any impact on Birmingham Mobility Action Plan is traffi c dominated with narrow the junction and if necessary fund (BMAP), Local Transport Plan and footways and limited opportunities improvements. These, however, many other policy documents. In for controlled crossing facilities. would be subject to public addition, as well as the current consultation. Local Sustainable Transport Fund, The Framework seeks to create the City Council has launched the opportunities to make signifi cant From 2014, the City Council has Birmingham Cycle Revolution, a improvements to the pedestrian embarked on a policy to roll project worth £24.3m, including realm, to encourage more people out 20mph speed limits on all £17m of government funding. It to walk and cycle, thereby reducing residential roads in the city. aims to achieve a target of 5% of car use. These will complement all trips in the City to be made by existing schemes such as Safe Parking: bike by 2023, and 10% by 2033. As Routes to Schools. Improved There is considerable local concern a result, there is considerable scope connections will not only improve about long stay on-street parking in for improving cycling provision accessibility, but also assist with residential streets. Any additional and activity and the Framework access to public transport. traffi c generation connected with supports the development of improved sporting and leisure improved walking and cycling Public Transport: activities will need to accommodate routes in the area. Improvements Improvements to bus stops additional parking provision on site will be expected in all detailed and waiting facilities would be which will be assessed against the development and investment desirable and are supported by Car Parking Guidelines 2012 SPD. proposals including facilities for the Framework. The area is served secure cycle parking and storage In by frequent services between Cycling: line with the Car Parking Guidelines Harborne and the city centre, For many people cycling is 2012 SPD. making it a location which is easily becoming a preferred mode of accessible by public transport. transport and is ideal for short Pedestrians: journeys. The current provision The current walking environment for cyclists in the area is limited. for pedestrians varies across the However, the promotion of cycling area. The walking environment to

Image 13 Access to EALTS and Guinea Gardens

issues and challenges / the wider botanical gardens area framework 16 The opportunity

To resolve the current issues and provide the best potential to maximise investment opportunities requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach. A radical solution that requires co-operation between the key occupiers offers the best overall potential.

The following set of actions is To achieve this clearly impacts site. Development will be expected recommended: upon the existing use of school to reuse land, buildings and spaces playing fi elds. It is therefore further to best effect within this unique proposed that: context. • The creation of a new access road from Richmond Hill Road • The Edgbaston High school The scale, massing and type to replace the current access for Girls running track area of any additional buildings will to EALTS and the Guinea be relocated to the playing require careful consideration. Gardens, The existing access fi eld formerly used by the The aim should be to create a from Westbourne Road would West Midlands Police off coherent, legible sense of place be retained as a pedestrian Richmond Hill Road. This will which complements the character access only. be subject, where necessary of the area whilst meeting the to the provision of car parking, needs of the proposed activities. • Garden land to the south maintenance facilities, Design considerations will include of Westbourne Manor and landscaping, improved existing site features and buildings, numbers 13 and 15 Westbourne drainage and footbridges the scale of streets, landscape, road be incorporated into the trees, topography and views. crossing the brook. 7 Botanical Gardens. 1 Development must accord with the • Whilst West House School principles of good urban design, as • Creation of a new development loses a third of its existing set out in ‘Places for All’ and other opportunity for the Botanical playing fi eld, 4 this must not Council policy. Gardens on the northern third be at the expense of any loss of the existing West House Architecture, detailing and in quality of the remaining playing fi eld. 8 This could materials should be of a high pitch and its ability to provide provide the opportunity to standard that reinforces the for both cricket and football. develop a new visitor facility positive aspects of Edgbaston’s The loss will also be subject and car park and enable character and contributes to a to agreeing appropriate separate entrances and parking strong sense of place. Landscaping boundary fencing/landscaping, for their conference and will be a particularly important groundman’s and pavilion wedding operations. consideration. facilities. Off road visitor and • The route of the new access coach parking facilities could The setting of landmark buildings road through the northern end also be created. and places should be respected of the playing fi elds creates and complemented, for example • Planning consent is in place additional opportunities for the Botanical Gardens glasshouses, and further scope exists to EALTS to develop an indoor the White Swan public house, and improve parking and access to tennis facility, 5 possible new the Guinea Gardens. Hallfi eld School playing fi eld. outdoor courts, 6 additional Archaeological remains may exist parking and the potential to Once agreed as a unifi ed package in the area, and archaeological redevelop or relocate their club of proposals and endorsed by the excavations may be required as house. City Council, Calthorpe Estates and conditions of planning permission. each user group; the framework • Dedicated parking could be The Environment Agency Flood provided to serve the Guinea offers the best opportunity to secure new developments and Zone Map shows that part of this Gardens and West house area lies within Flood Zones 2 and School. maximise fi nancial investment in the future of the area’s assets. 3, which are defi ned by National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) • Additional land is available to as having a high and medium risk create a fourth lawn for the Detailed Considerations The form a development takes will probability of fl ooding. Flood Risk Croquet club. 2 depend on its context, character, Assessments will be required for assets and the constraints of the planning applications within this area.

the wider botanical gardens area framework / the opportunity 17

Not to Scale Road Westbourne

P Edgbaston Harborne Road High School

Birmingham Botanical Gardens 1 P 8 6 Richmond Hill Road

P 5 4

P P 2 P Hallfield School

3 Hallfield School 7 Playing Fields 7

Chad Brook

Edgbaston Archery Land to be leased to Framework Boundary and Lawn Tennis Society 1 Botanical Gardens for garden extensions Potential extent of and possible new visitor facility Birmingham Botanical Gardens Edgbaston Croquet Club Extension to Croquet Club Overflow Car Parking 2 Main vehicle routes P (including additional lawn and car parking) for use by West House School New access Retained all weather pitches New Parking for 3 from Richmond Hill Road P for Edgbaston High School Guinea Gardens Access to 4 West House School Guinea Gardens retained Sports Pitches Playing pitch retained Edgbaston High School Existing access road to be 5 Indoor tennis court building downgraded to footpath for girls incorporating new club house within EALTS Green frontage to 6 New outdoor courts Narrow access road P Richmond Hill Road to be closed 7 New improved footbridges Cross City Railway Line Screen planting to protect Worcester & Birmingham Canal views within Conservation 8 Potential new visitor facility Area for the Botanical Gardens

Plan 4 Opportunities

the opportunity / the wider botanical gardens area framework 18 Delivery

The Framework provides a mechanism for both promoting the area and attracting investment. Implementation of these recommendations will be dependent upon the co-operation and commitment of a number of parties and in part require co-ordinated actions. Delivery could take number of years.

Working in partnership The local community for whom Where applicable the City In providing a clear vision for protection of amenity will be Council will seek to secure local the area and an agreed set of paramount. employment opportunities through opportunities; each of the users will the use of planning obligations. be able to move forward with their In order to secure and deliver This would include the use of individual plans and investment change the following key elements targeted employment strategies to decisions with confi dence. will also be important: link training to employer demand, Partnership working, however, and the use of local employees will be important as some of the • Ensuring development quality in both the construction and opportunities are dependant upon and infrastructure through the operation phases of developments others being implemented fi rst and statutory planning process. to maximise the economic benefi t collaboration will be essential. to the city. • Utilising Section106 planning The co-operation and commitment obligations, where appropriate. of the following parties will be necessary: • Exploring opportunities for any enabling development funding • Calthorpe Estates, who own to secure heritage objectives the freehold to the land and and the opportunities identifi ed Waheed Nazir control the leases to each user. in this framework. Director of Planning & Regeneration Birmingham City Council • The Schools agreeing to the • Securing sustainable revision of their playing fi eld development and reducing arrangements. carbon footprints.

• Sport England, supporting • Phasing of key projects. the broad principles outlined in the Wider Botanical Delivery will also be subject to Gardens Area Framework. It is resources becoming available and acknowledged that there may provision being made for long term be a small quantitative loss of management and maintenance. some playing ﬁ elds, however, the vision of the Framework The statutory planning process contains signiﬁ cant gains in Although a non statutory the form of additional sporting document, this framework has facilities, and improvements in been drawn up to adhere with the the quality of existing facilities. guidelines set out in the National Planning Policy Framework, the • Birmingham City Council, Birmingham Unitary Development acting in a facilitating and Plan and the pre submission supporting role. Birmingham Development Plan 2031. • Support from the parent bodies of the sporting organisations. Any developments that come forward will be expected to be • Access to and support from of the highest design quality and a number of funding sources adhere to Birmingham’s “Places such as the Heritage Lottery, for All” supplementary planning Sport England, Parent bodies guidance. eg the LTA etc.

the wider botanical gardens area framework / delivery 19

delivery / the wider botanical gardens area framework