Issue - meetings

The Chairman reported that St. Modwen's Developments had temporarily suspended their work at Longbridge in view of the current economic situation.  Mr. P. Street, Executive Director - Partnerships and Projects, added that the Area Action Plan process was still under way, comprising land in both the Bromsgrove area and in Birmingham.

An Inspector had been appointed in respect of the Area Action Plan who was considering the documentation, together with the comments and representations which had been submitted.  He anticipated that the adopted Action Plan would be implemented in February 2009.  Although St. Modwen's had submitted a planning application, Mr. Street stated that the developers would be waiting for an upturn in the economy before any building works commenced.

The Head of Planning and Environment Services gave further details about the planning infrastructure for the site, being dealt with by Birmingham City Council, Worcestershire County Council, Advantage West Midlands and the District Council.  The Area Action Plan would also investigate the viability of the entire scheme, but it was reported that there would be a delay of up to two years before development commenced.