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CHAPTER 10 - PERRY BARR

General Character

10.1 Perry Barr Constituency stretches northwards from the inner city to the City
boundary with Sandwell and Walsall Boroughs [,though not to the edge of the
built-up area]. It is traversed by a number of important transport routes
including the M6 motorway and the Birmingham - Walsall railway line; and a
major radial road to Walsall (A34) which forms part of the City's Strategic
Highway Network. The Constituency benefits from close links to the M5 and M6.

10.2 As with most of the City the predominant land use is housing. There is,
however, a substantial area in business/industrial use between the inner city and
suburban parts of the Constituency. This area is also fairly well provided with
public open space.

[12.8 part and 10.2 part] 10.3 On the north western edge of the Constituency,
Sandwell Valley forms part of the Beacon Regional Park, a major recreation
facility. The central part of the Constituency [is likely to] has increased in
importance as a focus for activity [over the plan period] as a result of a major
shopping development [; its] and has potential as a suburban office location and
for the further development and promotion of The University of Central England
and the Alexander Stadium, which are of national significance.

[10.3] 10.4 The population of the Constituency was around [98,000] 96,000 in
[1987] 1991 and includes a high ethnic minority content in Handsworth and
Sandwell Wards. The Constituency's unemployment rate tends to approximate to
the City average but with considerable local variations. Perry Barr Ward has one
of the lowest unemployment rates in the City (often lower than the national
average). Handsworth Ward [(south of the railway)] tends to have a high
unemployment rate (sometimes approaching twice the City average). Key
statistics relating to the Constituency are included in the table at the end of this
chapter.

Policy Statement

Overview
[10.4] 10.5 In Perry Barr Constituency only a small number of sites can
be identified specifically for development opportunities. Two sites,
however, offer major opportunities:-

 40 hectares of land at the former Queslett Sand and Gravel

Pits are to be laid out as major new areas of open space.
 The Tame Valley Area of Industrial Regeneration which
includes 19 hectares at the Holford Business Park, 15
hectares of which represent the second phase of
development.

10.5A A number of transport improvements are proposed within the

Constituency, including improved access to the Tame Valley Area of
Industrial Regeneration and the provision of a new railway station to
serve the Soho Road area. In addition, the North Birmingham Cycle
Route (part of the proposed National Cycle Network Regional Route),
the Harrier Run and the Tame Valley Canal Route will pass through the
area.

[10.5] 10.6 Sites for residential development may also come forward
over the plan period as a result of [the three Housing Regeneration
Areas proposed. These cover Central Handsworth, Wyrley Birch and
Perry Common.] proposals under the Handsworth Area Regeneration
Trust, which covers part of Handsworth Ward.

[10.6 and 12.12 part] 10.7 In parts of the Constituency there is

potential to capitalise upon the network of canals, rivers and linked
pieces of open space. Localised improvements to this network could
greatly improve its attractiveness for leisure uses, nature conservation
and also as a wildlife habitat. These possibilities especially apply to [a
north-south "string" of public open spaces in the east of the
Constituency; and] Perry Park, Perry Hall Playing Fields and linkages
westwards. The City Council will encourage the continued protection
and enhancement of the Sandwell Valley as a major recreation resource.

[10.7 A “corridor” passing south-north through the Constituency, from

the City Centre to Kingstanding, will be investigated as a possible light
rail/light rapid transit route.]

Handsworth/Lozells Birchfield (part of Handsworth Ward and part

of Sandwell Ward)

[10.8] 10.9 This area, south of the railway line through Perry Barr,
comprises older housing which has [already been subject to a
considerable] benefited from refurbishment programmes [.] further
consolidated by the designation of a Renewal Area in Central
Handsworth (HR3). [will continue investment in this area. The Renewal
Area Scheme will adopt a comprehensive approach to upgrading the
area including housing regeneration and redevelopment, alongside
initiatives to tackle social, economic and environmental problems. On
Aston Lane, new housing will be constructed on a redevelopment site
(H11), whilst a new school is to be built at Albert Road (CF3).] The area
also contains a number of local shopping centres - Witton Road, Six
Ways, Lozells Road, Villa Road and Perry Barr – which have experienced
decline[d] over many years but [which it is now envisaged may
stabilise] are now stabilising, albeit at lower levels of trade. It is
particularly important that these centres are safeguarded, because the
local population, from whom they draw their trade, is restricted in its
choice of centre by low income, low car ownership and requirements for
'ethnic' goods. [The Lozells Road/Villa Road area has undergone
considerable rebuilding and refurbishment in recent years, and there are
now signs of renewed investment in the area.] The City Council will
continue to enhance these centres through environmental and highway
improvements and by encouraging new developments.

[10.9] 10.10 Although now showing signs of decay, parts of Handsworth

were originally developed as a high class suburb, and this is reflected in
its architectural and amenity quality. The Heathfield Park area, behind
Hamstead and Heathfield Roads, has particular quality arising from its
unity as a well designed late 19th Century residential development, and
it is intended that this area should be designated a Conservation Area
(E27). To protect the residential character of the area, an Area of
Restraint policy will cover part of Hamstead Road, Wye Cliff Road and
Heathfield Road (Hi6). Within this area, applications for changes of use
to non-family dwelling uses, such as care homes, nursing homes,
hostels and non-family dwelling houses may be refused on the grounds
that further such uses may adversely affect the character of the area.
Handsworth Park itself is also an important asset, being a fine example
of a Victorian city park, now containing a good range of recreational
facilities and being well-used by the local community. Its
heritage/amenity aspect and its use as a local community resource, will
be enhanced.

North Perry Barr (part of Perry Barr Ward)

[10.10] 10.11 This area is defined as north of the Perry Barr railway line
and extending as far as the Tame Valley Canal.

[10.11] 10.12 The area immediately north of Perry Barr station

comprises a cluster of activities with wider-than-local significance. East
of Aldridge Road is the University of Central England's main campus
where enhancement of facilities, possibly including the
use/development of nearby sites and premises will be supported where
appropriate (CF2). Of particular concern is the need to improve the level
of car parking provision and reduce impact on the surrounding
residential area. West of Walsall Road a large area has recently been
redeveloped as a major new shopping centre. It is not envisaged that
there will be a need for significant additional retail floorspace over the
plan period in this location.

[10.12] 10.13 Perry Barr has been identified in the City's Office
Development Strategy as a location for office growth. Land between
Aldridge and Walsall Roads, on the north side of the junction is
identified for office development. In addition, further office
development proposals would be favourably considered [if] on suitable
sites [self-sufficient in car parking become available] (C2).

[10.13] 10.14 Traffic flows through the Walsall Road/Aldridge Road

junction are very heavy and are likely to increase as a result of the new
development described above. Improved access is [required] proposed
from the [Holford Business Park] Tame Valley Area of Industrial
Regeneration (see paragraph 10.17 below) to Aldridge Road (T38)
[Lichfield Road (T4)] in order to support the existing and proposed
economic activity in one of the City's most important industrial areas.
[This will be achieved via Witton Lane and Grosvenor Road (T4).] Perry
Barr Station will assume a more important role as activities at the
centre expand. The station itself, and pedestrian access to it from other
parts of Perry Barr, are in need of improvement.

[10.14] 10.15 Most of the housing - albeit a relatively small proportion

of the land uses - is in reasonably good condition and no significant
change is envisaged over the plan period. Refurbishment or
redevelopment will, however, be encouraged as appropriate.

[10.15] 10.16 A large proportion of the land between Walsall Road and
Brookvale Road is in industrial and commercial use. Some premises are
post-war and well suited to modern needs (eg. on Walsall Road),
whereas others are older (e.g. Witton Industrial Area). [In some cases
premises have developed more recently in an 'Industrial estate' or
'business park' manner (eg. at Holford Business Park).] The high quality
Holford Business Park is a particular 'success story', which is expected
to attract more high quality business investment to this area as a whole.

[10.16] 10.17 Part of the Constituency, including the Holford Business

Park and the IMI Works, is included in the Tame Valley Area of
Industrial Regeneration (IR6). Several sites at Holford have recently
been developed and further development of the Holford Business Park is
[at an active planning stage (I6-I9)] underway (I6, I8, I9). Other high
quality business park development will be encouraged in principle in the
general area bounded by Aston Lane, Wellhead Lane, Aldridge Road,
College Road, the Tame Valley Canal and Brookvale Road, although
safeguarding existing playing field[s] provision, existing allotments and
residential amenity. Any new development in this area should also be
sympathetic towards the University of Central England campus and
ancillary facilities.

[10.17] 10.18 Perry Park and Perry Hall Playing Fields are both major
recreational assets. Perry Park is a venue for events and gatherings of
regional, national or international significance, possessing as it does the
developing, high quality Alexander Stadium. Perry Hall Playing Fields
are used for more local sporting activities.
[10.18] 10.19 The Tame Valley Canal runs along one side of Perry Park,
but there is no formal access to it. Creation of an access and
enhancement measures along the canal itself would increase its value
as a recreational/leisure resource, especially bearing in mind that it
runs through the inner city to the east, and out of the City into Sandwell
Valley in the west (E25).

[10.19] 10.20 The River Tame passes through Perry Barr playing fields,
adjoined by public open space, as it continues beyond the Constituency
to link with Beacon Regional Park. This area is designated a Green
Wedge within which the Green Belt policies will apply. There is the
potential to create a walkway or cycleway through the playing fields and
Cherry Orchard Recreation Ground to Old Walsall Road. However, this
will require crossing the railway. There is potential for the walkway to
continue beyond the Constituency into Witton (E26). [A small linear site
fronting Aldridge Road and Greenholm Road is proposed for new public
open space (E24).]

Perry Beeches/Queslett Old Oscott (part of Perry Barr Ward and

Oscott Ward)

[10.20] 10.21 Defined as the area [bounded by] north of the Tame
Valley Canal, [Kings Road] and west of Hawthorn Road and
Kingstanding Road, most of the housing in this area is again in
reasonably good condition, and no significant change is envisaged over
the Plan period. To the east of Queslett, the Shady Lane industrial area
was developed in the 1940's and 1950's, and in recent years a number
of its units have become vacant or have been subject to redevelopment
proposals. [Two sites are currently available] Land at Shady Lane West
is proposed for industrial use (I4 [and I5]).

[10.21] 10.22 The main change over the plan period will be on land
formerly occupied by the Queslett Sand and Gravel Pits. This [has been]
was subject to land-fill tipping [over] for several years, [although this is
now confined to a small area and is expected to cease in 1991/92] but
this activity ceased in 1993. The site, totalling 52 hectares, is in two
ownerships. Land owned by the City Council is [to be] being laid out as
public open space for a variety of informal recreational uses (E22).
Other sites have already been laid out as two nature reserves, one of
which, Perry Beeches Nature Reserve is a Site of Importance for Nature
Conservation (E23).

[10.23 A road improvement scheme is proposed jointly with Sandwell

Metropolitan Borough Council on the Walsall Road (A34) at its junction
with Newton Road (Scott Arms) (T3)]

[10.23] 10.24 A site fronting Trehurst Avenue is to be developed for a

mix of uses including new public open space, community and residential
uses (CF4). [New housing is proposed at Fairbourne Avenue/Southgate
Road/Amblecote Avenue (H10).]
10.25 Kingstanding and Hawthorn Road shopping centres both have an
important local shopping role which will be supported. Primary retail
frontage policies will [apply] be prepared if required (S7 and S8).

Sandwell Valley/ Handsworth Wood (part of Sandwell Ward)

[12.13] 10.26 Located at the [northern] south west end of the

Constituency, this area covers Sandwell Valley and the extensive
housing areas of Handsworth Wood. Sandwell Valley is one of the
region’s biggest green recreational areas, extending into Sandwell and
Walsall Districts and on through open countryside to Chasewater. It
provides a much needed green space for the urban areas to the south.
Within the City, Sandwell Valley comprises sports pitches, golf courses,
open fields and a network of footpaths.

[12.14] 10.27 The Green Belt status of the area will be retained. To
further highlight its importance and provide a framework for
encouraging public and private investment the area was designated a
Regional Park (known as Beacon Regional Park) in 1986. The City
Council will continue to work closely with the neighbouring authorities
of Sandwell and Walsall to enhance the Park and establish a
management framework.

[12.15] 10.28 The part of the Valley within the City boundary has
potential for continued development of a wide range of formal and
informal outdoor recreational facilities, including golf and sports
pitches. At the same time there is a need to ensure that development
does not detract from its countryside character, nature conservation and
wildlife value. Hill Top Farm Grasslands is designated as a Site of
Importance for Nature Conservation and will be protected (E36).

[12.16] 10.29 The Valley provides an important recreational resource

for people in nearby built up areas, particularly for residents in
Handsworth where provision of public open space and sports pitches
falls well below the City Council’s standards. Opportunities need to be
taken to improve access to the Valley for these residents.

[12.17] 10.30 Eastwards along the River Tame, a string of green spaces
extends as far as Perry Hall Playing Fields [in Perry Barr Constituency].
There is a need to maintain and, where possible, improve access
through the Green Wedge.

[12.18] 10.31 Handsworth Wood is an extensive residential area

comprising mainly privately owned dwellings developed from the 1930s
onwards, and some older 19th Century dwellings. It is proposed to
declare part of the area around Handsworth Wood Road a Conservation
Area (E37). This area also contains many larger houses which have been
converted into flats, institutional uses, or are in multi-occupation, and
the high concentration of these uses is affecting the character of the
area. An Area of Restraint has therefore been identified in Handsworth
Wood Road/Somerset Road/Selborne Road (Hi7). Within this area,
proposals for non-family dwelling uses such as those listed above may
be refused on the grounds that further such uses may adversely affect
the residential character of the area. [Former school playing fields at
Hamstead Hall are to be refurbished for public use (E35). These replace
facilities off Cherry Orchard Road lost as a result of residential
development.]

Handsworth (part of Sandwell Ward)

[12.19] 10.32 [This area] Handsworth extends either side of the Soho
Road from Lozells to the City boundary and lies partly in Ladywood
Constituency. Soho Road is the main shopping centre in the north west
part of the City [. and is the only inner area centre to have experienced
a real growth in turnover over the last 10-15 years]. Its particular
strength is the provision of goods required by the Asian and Afro
Caribbean communities and it draws customers from a wide area. This
important shopping function will be maintained through [the application
of primary retail frontage] policies set out in the Soho Road Local Action
Plan. The Local Action Plan establishes that there is no need for a
primary retail frontage policy at present but this will be prepared in the
future(S11).

[12.20] 10.33 Historically, Soho Road centre has been the subject of
considerable investment through the refurbishment of buildings, and
further investment is now proposed in the context of the Soho Road
Local Action Plan [including the provision of rear access and car
parking]. The decision not to include Soho Road on the Strategic
Highway Network provides the opportunity to concentrate on local
environmental improvements. The Soho Road Local Action Plan
addresses the implications and opportunities arising from this decision,
and the complementary decision to designate the A457 Dudley Road as
a major radial route between Birmingham and the Black Country.

10.33A The Soho Road Local Action Plan focuses on the Soho Road
shopping centre and the immediate residential area. It seeks to sustain
Soho Road as a vital and successful centre to enhance the local
environment, to change the role of Soho Road to a traditional “High
Street” to build on its unique niche as a centre serving the local minority
ethnic community, and to provide a framework to guide and stimulate
future investment and new development within the Centre. The Local
Action Plan identifies a number of opportunities for small-scale
redevelopment/ refurbishment, including the former Flights Coaches
Depot site which is suitable for retailing and housing.

10.33B To improve public transport provision within the Soho Road

area, a new railway station is proposed on the Soho Loop, giving access
to the Birmingham to Walsall rail service.

[12.21] 10.34 To either side of Soho Road are extensive housing areas
comprising mainly 19th Century terraced properties in private
ownership. Many dwellings have been improved, although further
renewal work will be required. Every opportunity should be taken to
meet local housing needs and other community needs such as the
provision of open space. In the area either side of Soho Hill many larger
dwellings have been converted into hostels, flats or are in multi-
occupation, and the high concentration of these uses is affecting the
character of the area.

List of Proposals

This list provides a brief reference to the proposals indicated on the

Proposals Map. It must be read in conjunction with the accompanying
Constituency Policy Statement in the context provided by chapters two
to eight.

Environment

[A] Conservation Areas will be designated at:

E27: Heathfield Park - para. [10.9] 10.10

E37: Handsworth Wood Road - para [12.18] 10.31

The following Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC’s) will

be protected:-

E23: Perry Beeches Nature Reserve - para. [10.21] 10.22

E36: Hill Top Farm Grasslands - para [12.15] 10.28

The following proposals will form part of a network of Linear Open

Spaces across the City:-

E25: Tame Valley Canal - para. [10.18] 10.19

E26: Beacon Regional Park to Witton - para. [10.19] 10.20

The following site[s] will be laid out as open space:-

E22: Former Queslett Sand and Gravel Pits (40 ha) - para. [10.21] 10.22
(part laid out)

[E24: Aldridge Road/Greenholm Road (1.1 ha) - para. 10.19]

[Public sports pitches will be laid out at:-]

[E35: Hamstead Hall Playing Fields - para 12.18]

Industrial Regeneration

Industrial Regeneration Initiatives are proposed in the following area:

IR6: Tame Valley - para 10.17

Industry

The following sites will be developed for industrial use:

I4: Shady Lane West (3.8 ha) Good Urban - para. [10.20] 10.21 (part
completed)

[I5: Shady Lane East (3.3 ha) Good Urban - para. 10.20]

I6: Holford Business Park Phase II – Nexus Point (15.0 ha) Best Urban -
para. [10.16] 10.17 (part completed)

[I7: Holford Business Park (1.2 ha) Best Urban - para. 10.16]

I8: Holford Business Park (1.1 ha) Best Urban - para. [10.16] 10.17
(part completed)

I9: Holford Business Park (1.5 ha) Best Urban - para. [10.16] 10.17
(part completed)

Commerce

Office development will be encouraged in the following locations:-

C2: Perry Barr - para. [10.12] 10.13

Housing Regeneration

Housing Regeneration Initiatives are proposed in the following areas:-

HR3: Central Handsworth - para. [10.8] 10.9 (underway)

Housing

[The following sites will be developed for housing:-]

[H10: Fairbourne Avenue / Southgate Road /Amblecote Avenue (1.2ha)

para 10.23]

[H11: Aston Lane (1.1 ha) - para. 10.8]

The following Areas of Restraint are identified:-

Hi6: Part of Hamstead Road, Wye Cliff Road, Heathfield Road - para
10.10 (interim policy)

Hi7: Handsworth Wood Road/Somerset Road/Selborne Road - para

10.31 (interim policy)
Transportation

The following road improvements are proposed:

[T3: Walsall Road/Newton Road Junction – para. 10.22]

[T4: Improved access to Holford Business Park (Witton Lane -

Grosvenor Road - Lichfield Road) - para. 10.13]

T10: Holyhead Road (part of)

T38: Improved access to Tame Valley Area of Industrial Regeneration

(Aldridge Road) - para 10.14

The following cycle routes will be developed:

T36: North Birmingham Route (part of the proposed National Cycle

Network) – para 10.5A

T36A: Tame Valley Canal – para 10.5A

T39: Harrier Run – para 10.5A

The following key highway improvement lines will be protected:

 Holyhead Road – Island Road to Middlemore Road

In addition, a [corridor through the Constituency from the City Centre to

Kingstanding will be investigated as a possible light rail route (para
10.7)] new railway station is proposed on the Birmingham to Walsall
line to serve the Soho Road area (para 10.33B).

Shopping

Primary retail frontage policies will [apply in] be prepared for the
following centres if required:-

S7: Kingstanding - para. 10.25 (policy not yet prepared)

S8: Hawthorn Road - para. 10.25 (policy not yet prepared)

S11: Soho Road - para [12.19] 10.32 (policy not yet prepared)

[Community Facilities]

[The following site will be developed as a school:-]

[CF3: Albert Road (2.6 ha) - see para. 10.8]

Other Proposals

CF2: University of Central England - para. [10.11] 10.12

CF4: Land fronting Trehurst Avenue [10.23] 10.24

NB With the exception of some commitments carried forward from

adopted Local Plans the UDP only refers to land use proposals on sites
of one hectare or more in size and to highway improvements costing
more than £1 million.

SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING GUIDANCE (SPG)*

LOCAL ACTION PLANS, DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORKS AND
STRATEGIES

Aston Local Action Plan

Soho Road Local Action Plan

DEVELOPMENT BRIEFS

Moor Lane Canal Basin, Witton

DEVELOPMENT CONTROL POLICIES

Area of Restraint Policy in respect of the location of residential care

homes, nursing homes, hostels and non-family dwellinghouse uses
within Handsworth, Soho and Sandwell, Wards (Interim).

ENVIRONMENTAL, DESIGN AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES

None

*This list was accurate at the time that the UDP Alterations were
prepared early in 2001. An up-to-date listing of SPG currently in use and
new Local Development Documents (LDDs) in preparation may be found
in the current Local Development Scheme (LDS) for Birmingham.

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