Big screen in Victoria Square faces uncertain future
In issuing the new guidance English Heritage planning director Philip Davies said: “Local authorities are responsible for deciding whether digital screens should be permitted and, if so, where.
“In the right places, such as new purpose-designed public spaces, they can support wider objectives of regeneration and community engagement.
“But in the wrong locations, such as historic town and city centres and conservation areas, they can be intrusive eyesores and cause significant harm. Clear local policies are essential.”
Birmingham’s new leisure and culture chief Martin Mullaney, who was suspended as a councillor for his actions in defence of a historic building, has vowed to urgently investigate the big screen when he takes up his new role next week.
He said: “This is something I will definitely be looking at. I do accept that it is just crazy. It was driving office workers up the wall.”
Coun Mullaney is in the last week of a one-month suspension because he trespassed on a historic Moseley tram depot building to highlight its neglect.
The Victoria Square location was chosen because cameras filming crowds for Children in Need, Last Night of the Proms and other BBC events would see the Council House and Town Hall in the background.
But owner of the Waterloo House office block took legal action because the noise disturbed workers and now the council has been forced to install extra sound shields.
It has also been sent back to the Planning Committee, because the courts decided that there were deficiencies in consultation when planning permission was rushed through the first time.
The farce surrounding the screen has been described as “probably not our finest hour” by Birmingham City Council leader Mike Whitby.
A council spokesman said: “We are considering the implications of the CABE report. The screen is going through the normal planning process and procedures and is due at committee in the next few weeks.”
