BOOTHS LANE PRIVATE ROAD UPDATE

 THE RE OPENING OF THE PRIVATE SECTIONS OF BOOTHS LANE ARE IN THE HANDS OF THE DEVELOPERS AND LAND OWNERS NOT THE COUNCIL


I have for some weeks being trying to persuade the Birmingham City Council, the Land owners English Land ( re the Golf range section of Booths Lane) along with the developers persimmons and Wimpey Taylor to re open Booths lane and keep it open as often as possible.

 At the recent recent public meeting at Glenmead school concerning the Booths Lane development which was organised by the Oscott Councillors,

 I reminded residents that because Booths Lane is a private road-  and the land owner can close it off at their will (you will be aware that it is also advertised as a private road at its junction with Sandy Lane).

The Council does not own this section of Booths Lane and can only make requests like myself.

Nevertheless, at an Oscott Ward Committee meeting  some moths ago and since Persimmons have indicated either at end of February or March that they hoped for the reopening of their section of Booths Lane, but although they are trying hard to keep to this they cannot guarantee it.

They are targeting a date in June of this year for completion and final sale of the development that is currently underway for the 43 dwellings.

They say it is therefore required for reasons, which include health and safety, to ensure that their section of Booths Lane remains closed at the moment. 

This situation may remain the same even once the development is complete, sold and that part of Booths Lane is transferred over for public adoption as the remainder can still be closed off as it is still in private in certain parts.

I understand that the potential developer of the remainder of  Booths Lane, Taylor Wimpey, have expressed a wish to allow some access along Booths Lane if they are granted consent and whilst development is undertaken. However they have also clearly expressed that they are bound by health and safety legislation which will mean that they will not risk the safety of pedestrians and or motorists at any time.

This means that if a route through is required during the construction phase this must be carried out strictly in accordance with prevailing Health and Safety legislation, which may mean that allowing such to occur is not possible.

 I have however agreed with the developer to set up a working party with local residents to try and iron out problems in order that there may be a chance for the Lane to be used by motorist.

 It is however no means certain that the Taylor Wimpey Planning application which is likely to go to the Birmingham City Council Planning Committee in April will granted in its current form. However large developers often seem to have an advantage in these sort of matters.

 Residents still have time to send in their concerns.

Clearly  the future of the re opening of this private road  will be in the hands of the private developers  and land Owner who must do what they can to help local residents in my view .

Residents need like myself to try and get the various developers and the owner of the land to cooperate.

 Once again I must remind you the road is a private one and not under the control of the Council. I will continue to do what I can (I have not indicated my support for this development) to try an negotiate the opening of this private lane