Tuesday, 16 November 2010

New battle as marina appeal date confirmed

KNOWLE residents are gearing up to fight an appeal over a delayed controversial marina plan.

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A developer’s appeal over the plan for Grove Farm, off Jacobean Lane, was due to go to a public inquiry in August but was cancelled.

Yet it has now been confirmed for January 25 to 28.

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council threw out the plan in December but the appeal means it will be decided by the national Planning Inspectorate.

A leaflet is now going around homes in the Wychwood Avenue area, where some homes would back onto the 140-berth marina, to be built by the Grand Union canal.

It says: “As residents, whose homes and family will be greatly affected by the proposed marina, this inquiry is our last chance to fight the proposals and hopefully see an end to the plans at Grove Farm, Jacobean Lane for good.”

The council had said the scheme would “not maintain the openness of the Green Belt”, would “unacceptably detract” from nearby grade II listed Grove Farm and posed a flooding risk.

For information on the campaign contact Geoff Heaps on 07960199184 or geoffheaps@yahoo.co.uk.

Another marina plan, for off the Warwick Road, was also rejected in December and is going to appeal. No public inquiry date has been set.

The council rejected the scheme as it is in the Green Belt.

Yet in its appeal application, Somerville Homes states: “Amongst other benefits, the proposed marina would help to provide essential infrastructure to support the use and viability of the Grand Union Canal as a key strategic corridor for tourism and leisure, and as such would constitute appropriate development in the Green Belt.

“There are no sites within the relevant catchment area for a marina development on land outside of the Green Belt.

“In this particular location, the marina proposal is both sustainable and other material considerations support its development, including economic benefits, recreational needs, and local employment opportunities.”

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