Cycle route would blight historic road

DEAR Editor, I am prompted to write following Neil Elkes’ informative piece on the cycle superhighway along Bristol Road in Wellington Road, Edgbaston.

While many applaud the promotion of cycling in Birmingham, the proposed access from Bristol Road to Wellington Road is a step too far.

Wellington Road is already overburdened with traffic which has increased noise and pollution in recent years.

What Birmingham City Council has overlooked is that Wellington Road lies within the Edgbaston Conservation Area, designated in 1975, and twice extended.

It is the largest urban conservation area in the United Kingdom.

Wellington Road has 36 grade II listed buildings. Adjoining roads such as Ampton Road and Carpenter Road (also within the conservation area) contain more.

A leaflet circulated by the council at the time of designation states that it has a duty to give special consideration to the preservation and enhancement of the character or appearance of the area.

It does not appear that the council has given attention to its statutory obligations in this respect. Current proposals, if implemented, may be unlawful.

Clearly further investigation is needed and advice, possibly from English Heritage, be sought.

The current proposals related to Wellington Road should be withdrawn. David Henson, Edgbaston, Birmingham