Birmingham City Council has published a revised Draft Masterplan for Edgbaston Reservoir and invites citizens’ views on the document.
The masterplan sets a vision for the sustainable future of the reservoir and surrounding sites, as an important open space for wildlife and recreation, where existing and new communities can come together.
Located on the doorstep of the city centre, the reservoir serves a wide range of communities and acts as a visitor destination. It is a key open space in the city, has several historic assets and is designated as a Local Nature Reserve.
The masterplan has been revised to take into consideration the responses received during the 2019 consultation on the previous draft and the substantial ongoing engagement undertaken with the local community and existing water sports clubs. The masterplan has been updated to provide more details on how the natural environment will be protected and enhanced. The proposals to develop on Osler Street Park have been removed and replaced with details on how the park can be improved. The option to relocate the existing water clubs into one hub has also been removed in favour of supporting them thrive in their existing locations. Other revisions include more details on how the development opportunities within the masterplan will enhance the character and sustainability of the reservoir.
The masterplan provides details on several proposals for housing-led development on sites within the masterplan boundary but outside of the Local Nature Reserve, including the council-owned former Tower Ballroom site. This site is allocated for housing in existing planning policy, so the council is asking for views on the development principles set out in the masterplan that will help shape the sense of place the development delivers. The revised draft masterplan states the site will be developed for a mix of community, leisure and commercial uses on the ground floor with high-quality housing above and to the rear. A walkway in front of the new development will provide a high-quality environment for all to enjoy the water setting. As the artists illustrative sketch shows, the scheme will celebrate the water setting and incorporate sustainable design.
Councillor Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council said: “The masterplan has been revised following continuous meaningful engagement with the local community and reservoir user groups. We would now like to open the consultation to anyone who may have a view on the future of this unique asset and would urge people to read the revised masterplan. The reservoir plays an important role in Birmingham’s green network and the masterplan provides the building blocks to protect and enhance the natural environment, whilst ensuring the opportunities within the masterplan contribute to the city’s inclusive growth agenda and housing needs”.
The consultation closes on 15 April.
Following consultation on the revised draft masterplan, all formal representations received will be taken into consideration, and necessary changes made, prior to its adoption as a formal planning document later in the year.
