MOORPOOL BATTLE GOES NATIONAL

30-06-2009

Campaigners fighting to preserve Birmingham’s historic Moorpool estate have won the backing of residents in one of the country’s flagship conservation areas.

The integrity of Moorpool – established as a “garden suburb” in the early 20th century by John Nettlefold – is challenged by an application for 16 new homes in three separate plots from the builder Graingers.

Councillors will decide whether to approve their plans on July 9.

Now members of London-based Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust have entered the fray, calling on the Council to reject the bulk of the development.

Their architectural advisor David Davidson – a former Birmingham Council conservation officer – says demolishing garages to build 12 homes in one parcel of land would ruin the “distinctiveness” of the estate.

English Heritage recently described Hampstead Garden Suburb as an “exemplary” conservation project but Davidson warns Moorpool’s hopes of being seen in the same light would be “severely damaged” by the proposals.

He also condemns the design of the remaining proposed properties, and warns that getting rid of the garages instead of refurbishing them will add to local parking pressures.

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