Sutton Coldfield tower blocks poised for green light
25 September 2014 05:00 AM By Neil Elkes
Long-awaited plans are set to be backed by city council despite protests over spoilt views from Sutton Park
Sutton Coldfield
Long-awaited proposals to build five tower blocks in Sutton Coldfield town centre are set to be approved by city planners next week.
Pegasus Life wants to build the towers as part of a retirement village complex on waste ground at Brassington Avenue, between the Gracechurch Shopping Centre and main railway line.
Designs for the towers, which range from nine to 16 storeys and contain a total of 240 apartments, have been controversial with 45 letters of objection from residents.
English Heritage and the council's own conservation panel have complained the towers are too tall and will spoil views from the historic Sutton Park.
According to a report to the planning committee, English Heritage said: "An assessment of the level of harm that the development may cause to the setting of and significance of the asset (Sutton Park) is required followed by a reduction in the height of the towers, should the harm prove unacceptable."
Councillor David Pears (Con Sutton Trinity) said: "The height of buildings overlooks properties on the other side of the railway line and detracts from the vista from Sutton Park.
"The height is not in keeping with the street scene or the character of the area."
He also says that parking for 120 cars is insufficient and will lead to further on street parking problems in the town centre.
But planning officers believe the towers' design and spacing are an improvement on previous proposals of a single block lining the street.
In his report, John Davies said: "The cluster of towers of different heights and orientation would create a landmark for Sutton town centre and also allow views and natural light through the development as well as allowing for extensive public realm.
"This form of development would enhance the environment of Brassington Avenue and avoid the creation of a 'canyon' with the Gracechurch Centre opposite."
The waste ground site has been the subject of five planning applications for shopping centres, leisure centres and apartments over the last decade but has remained derelict.
The planning committee will decide the application on October 2.
