Development on Birmingham border could provide jobs boost despite ‘loss of countryside’

Midlands Land Portfolio, the development arm of Severn Trent Water, has lodged an outline planning application for up to 21,000 sqm of ‘employment floor space’ in land near Wishaw Lane.

Indicative plans show a single, large, rectangular building, near to the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal.

Ancillary offices and parking would be provided if the plans for the Peddimore land, near Minworth, are given the green light.

The site currently comprises arable farmland, with areas of woodland and scrub to the south.

But a council officer’s report highlights the “potential harm” arising from the proposed development, including the loss of agricultural land and loss of some trees and hedgerows to create the access route.

However, it continued: “Whilst limited harm may exist in the form of the loss of countryside and agricultural land, this is far outweighed by the benefits.”

According to the report, these include providing jobs for local people during and following construction.

It also said that the proposed development would bring “ecological and biodiversity enhancements through new planting” and support the use of the local bus network.

“It is amongst the city’s most sustainable available locations for Best Quality employment land,” the report added.

“Whilst certain issues have been raised with regards to the details submitted, the application as submitted is in outline only and these points are considered to be addressable at the reserved matters stage.”

The report also acknowledged there would be an impact upon the canal along the southern boundary.

“But this is a lengthy heritage asset and the development would only affect a small proportion of it,” it said.

The proposed development, which has been recommended for approval subject to a legal agreement, will be considered at a city council planning committee on Thursday, June 5.