Camp Hill Line Community Engagement Sessions

Artist’s impression of the Pineapple Road station

Transport for West Midlands are holding a series of community engagement sessions about the soon-to-reopen Camp Hill train line, including one in Stirchley.

Moseley Village, Kings Heath, and Pineapple Road stations will reopen as part of the Camp Hill line returning to use as a commuter line. Each station will have two platforms, lifts, ticket machines, information screens, and secure bike parking. The Moseley Village and Pineapple Road stations will also have a pick-up and drop-off area.

At the engagement sessions, residents will have the opportunity to meet members of the team building the stations and ask any questions. All of the events will cover all three stations so people can choose the date and time that is most convenient for them. The sessions are drop-in session with those registered able to turn up at any time in the two hour period. However, it is advised not to arrive less than 15 minutes before the end.

The engagement sessions are taking place at;

Ward plan info

It is time to update Stirchley’s Ward Action Plan for 2022 – 2026.

Ward Plans are Birmingham City Council documents designed to be used by residents, councillors, and local stakeholders. They are created by the ward councillor/s in collaboration with residents and are meant to be a tool, to encourage engagement and action around local-level topics and issues that matter to local people.

The current Stirchley Ward Action Plan can be found here.

The new Ward Action Plan template is split into six themes which are important topics for all wards across the city. However, there may be aspects of those topics where there is more or less need in different wards. The process of setting priorities, goals and actions allows wards to focus in on the issues that matter most and find locally achievable solutions.

Wards do not need to identify a priority for each theme. The Council advises identifying between three and six priorities to work towards in each ward’s plans. These are flexible documents and so they can be revised as needed.

Birmingham City Council suggests the following themes;

  • Prosperous
  • Inclusive
  • Safe
  • Healthy
  • Green
  • Local

The Council has also given some examples of how these themes might be applied within areas. A readable version of the PDF can be found here.

Stirchley’s councillor Mary Locke is keen to hear from residents and community groups about what they would like to see in Stirchley’s Ward Action Plan. If you have any ideas that you would like to include, please bring them to the January Forum meeting on Monday 9th January 2023 or contact Councillor Locke directly.

The first iteration of Stirchley’s Ward Action Plan needs to be submitted by Councillor Locke to the Council by Monday 16th January 2023.

Community Infrastructure Levy small grants open for applications

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge which is levied by local authorities on new developments within a ward.  The levy available differs from ward to ward based on the type and size of development(s).

The Be Bold Local Element CIL Small Grants Fund is aimed at supporting ward-based community groups and organisations who are well-established in their local communities and have a deep understanding of local priorities.

Stirchley ward has a total of £20,000 available, where interested community groups can apply for a maximum of £2,000. Proposed activities must be linked to the priorities identified in the Stirchley Ward Plan 2018 – 2022.

Small, local, grassroots organisations with an annual turnover of less than £50,000 will be eligible to apply for the fund to carry out activities in Stirchley. The proposer should have a group bank account or be able to identify a sponsor organisation to hold the funds of behalf of the group. Applications can include items such as activities, staffing, volunteer costs and equipment which will support your group or organisation.

To apply: complete this short application form and email it to  NDSU@birmingham.gov.uk

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 19th October 2022. Decisions will be communicated week commencing 5th December 2022.

Developments on the triangle

May be an image of 1 person and outdoors
Photo of building work taken by Michael Jones

After many years of being boarded up, those visiting the high street this week have noticed some rumblings on the triangle of land on island Hazelwell Road, between the the British Oak and Printgo and backs onto Stirchley Community Church.

The land is due to be turned into much needed public realm. It includes curves benches and interconnecting paths that will make it easier to cross from one side of the high street to the other. Where the paths cross there is a due to be concrete block paving in buff (a light brownish yellow, ochreous colour) and red colours. This is part of the Aldi development on Hazelwell Lane, which is progressing at some pace

Paving generally: Charcon Europa 200 x 100 x 60mm concrete block paving, laid 45° herringbone pattern on 50mm sharp sand base. Block colour: Charcoal.
Inner circle: 1300mm diameter Charcon Europa 200 x 100 x 60mm concrete block paving, laid radially on 50mm sharp sand base. Block colour: Buff.
Outer circle: 2500mm diameter Charcon Europa 200 x 100 x 60mm concrete block paving, laid radially on 50mm sharp sand base. Block colour: Red.
Seating units: 4 no. Marshalls ‘Rendezvous City’ curved bench units, with cast iron ends and stainless steel seat section. Units to be bolted to block paving.

Plans submitted to birmingham city council

Below are the a screenshot of the proposed site plan submitted to Birmingham City Council as part of Aldi’s planning application.

Update on former Constituency Office

Birmingham City Council has announced a new leaseholder for the former Constituency Office on Stirchley High Street.

Following months of discussions and negotiations, the lease has now been agreed between Grace Church and Birmingham City Council. Work will now focus around agreeing the formal lease, developing the plans for the site and securing funds for the works.

Having outgrown their current building on Dell Road, Grace Church aim to renovate the building, having also outlined their intentions to preserve the heritage and appearance because of its historical significance. Subject to planning permission and local consultation, they intend to undertake an extension to the rear of the building to allow greater flexibility and community use.

Further communications will be circulated by Birmingham City Council to advise when the works will commence.