Pub landlord’s disappointment as planners give go-ahead for flats
COUNCILLORS have voted to approve plans for 46 flats in Moseley on a disused patch of land on Alcester Road.
The plans have been particularly controversial because the land is next to the popular Prince of Wales pub.
It was argued that the noise pollution from the Prince of Wales could affect residents but councillors voted by nine to five in favour of the plans
Keith Marsden, landlord of the Prince of Wales, said: “It is disappointing that both councillors Barry Henley and Martin Straker Welds failed to support the view of the people and back the Prince. They clearly prefer profits for developers over pints for customers.
“We could consider a judicial review but that’s a heavy duty process. The pub is open till 1am on Fridays and Saturdays which isn’t late but it’s late enough.
“If you stand outside when an event is on, you know an event is on. We have a few ments up our sleeve.”
Simon Turner, area planning officer, spoke heavily in support of the plans and in the strength of the noise assessment on the Prince of Wales in relation to the planned accommodation.
He said: “The occupiers of this development should not suffer from noise pollution.
“Noise mitigation is designed to deal with the noisiest events.
“It will not have the effects that other people have the concerns about.”
Plans include other argu- all windows fac- ing the Prince of Wales remaining shut at all times but benefiting from mechanical venitliation. Communal parking for the apartments was also recommended.
Coun Peter Douglas-Osborn, however, opposed the idea and said: “Prince of Wales is at the cultural heart of Moseley.”
A spokesperson from developer Birmingham Properties Group said: “We look forward to developing a high-quality residential scheme and working closely with all our neighbours, including The Prince of Wales pub, to ensure the project runs smoothly.”