Lord Bill Morris backs Edgbaston redevelopment plans
“Many established Test venues have redeveloped in recent times, while some new entrants to the market have built innovative and state-of-the-art facilities for spectators, broadcasters, the written media, players and officials.
“Edgbaston falls somewhat short of the required standard in a number of areas, particularly in relation to media and players.”Sparkbrook and Small Heath MP Roger Godsiff has written to the planning committee calling for the club’s application to be rejected.
Mr Godsiff said permanent floodlights were unacceptable and he believed there was no reason why the club could not continue with temporary floodlighting and still hold Test matches.
Mr Godsiff said he recognised the value Edgbaston brought to Birmingham, but added: “I do not think the club have been particularly well advised over the planning application and it would appear they have gone for the big bang approach whereby their architects and consultants have advised them to apply for just about everything possible to squeeze onto the site in the knowledge they would be prepared to scale back their proposals if objections were put forward by the council and residents.
“It is obvious why the club do not want to put in retractable floodlights because the cost is much greater than permanent floodlights but the fact of the matter is permanent floodlighting will not only have a very considerable impact on local residents but will change the whole aspect of the skyline.”
