Locals fear for future if reservoir path is sold on
RESIDENTS close to Edgbaston Reservoir have united to fight plans to sell off a section of the public 2.8km footpath that skirts the water’s edge.
They fear privatisation of part of the walkway could prove a terrible mistake, handing over control of access to developers and landowners.
Collectively they have submitted formal opposition to Birmingham City Council proposals over the former Tower Ballroom site.
They have objected to the decision to include the waterfront path and a nearby historic building in the sale listing.
Resident David Gaussen is among the objectors to the scheme.
He said he was fearful about the implications of selling off public land to private organisations who could then impose their own conditions and terms of entry – if not immediately, but in the future. He used the example of Chamberlain Square in the city centre – now under private ownership and patrolled by guards who can move people on for what some have referred to as minor infringements.
“We could end up with a situation where people are not allowed to stop in certain places for a picnic or are prevented from gathering on the bank of the reservoir there because it might disturb residents living in new properties being built,” he claimed. “It is a troubling situation.”
A new Tower Green Alliance has been formed to fight to protect free public access.
The vacant former site of the Tower Ballroom is for sale, with Birmingham City Council searching for a developer to deliver ‘much-needed’ housing in the area.
Commercial real estate agents Avison Young has listed the site on Rightmove in search of a partner ‘capable of delivering a development in support of the Edgbaston Masterplan.’
The ballroom has been earmarked for housing since 2017 and is identified in the Birmingham Development Plan as an area to deliver housing.
The city council said the Edgbaston Reservoir Masterplan set out a vision to provide high-quality, affordable family housing while protecting the natural environment.
The authority said the inclusion of the land down to the water’s edge was vital to the package.
Any developer would need to ‘demonstrate how it can deliver family housing’ as well as a wide public walkway near the reservoir that connects with the existing circular footpath.
“Future development will be highly sustainable and respect the reservoir and local nature reserve.
“The Edgbaston Reservoir Masterplan sets out a vision to provide highquality affordable homes and provides clear guidance to protect and enhance the natural environment to protect the reservoir, ensuring it can be enjoyed for future generations.”
A developer will be required to enhance the footpath for public use, not limit it.
But the objectors, in a joint statement, said: “In our eyes, the reservoir pathway is vital to the well-being of thousands of people, and we can only accept public assets being passed into private hands if legally binding agreements are agreed regarding the path and lodge, and a responsible design for the site.
“We want to seek legal assurances for example in the form of a covenant to protect the public’s rights to the full reservoir circuit.
“We should all be able to continue to enjoy the full reservoir circuit as a public space, free from any rules or obstacles dictated by private ownership.”
The path is regularly used for a park-runners and is walked, cycled and scooted by thousands every month.
The reservoir is billed as a site of historical importance - it was built in 1827 by Thomas Telford as a top up for the Birmingham canal system and is still used for that purpose.