Council lays ground for housing development at Babbs Mill

WILDLIFE HAVEN: Babbs Mill is home to many species

WHEELS have been set in motion to remove the Local Nature Reserve (LNR) status from part of Babbs Mill Park, ahead of plans to build a new housing estate on the site.
Solihull Council's cabinet last week agreed to move forward with "de-declaring" the parcel of land, which had been made a LNR back in 2002.
The process will pave the way for building work to start on 52 homes, which were granted planning permission back in March.
The remainder of Babbs Mill will have the status reinstated, although that has not dampened fears that the development has set a precedent for a gradual "chipping away" of the beauty spot.
While the cabinet was only asked to approve advertising the disposal of the open space, the meeting once again laid bare the divisions over the council's handling of the matter and the deep-seated anger among local people.
Coun Debbie Evans (UKIP, Kingshurst & Fordbridge) said: "This is not just a piece of land...it is a haven for wildlife, flora and fauna.
"The gravity of this situation must also go through a scrutiny process so that this council is making the correct call for people who both use and live in this ward."
Coun James Burn (Green, Chelmsley Wood) said: "I find this very difficult because when push comes to shove we're talking about building on a nature reserve.
"I'm not convinced that de-declaring is a word last time I Googled it."
Solihull's Conservative-run administration has defended the development, arguing that there is a pressing need to create more housing.
Coun Ken Hawkins (Blythe) said: "There is a concept of local houses for local people and where do people in Kingshurst want to live if they're going to move house."
The cabinet voted to go ahead with advertising the de-declaration although it acknowledged concerns that the notice would be put in local papers, the Solihull News and Solihull Observer, even though neither are delivered to the north of the borough.