Hope of big screen switch-on in Birmingham city centre

Dec 5 2009 by Paul Dale, Birmingham Mail

A BIG screen television in Birmingham city centre could finally be switched on more than two years after the controversial 15ft structure was built.

The city council, which spent £1 million on the screen in Victoria Square and on legal fees, is seeking planning permission for a second time.

The first application ended in farce after owners of Waterloo House offices took the council to court, claiming that the noise of programmes being screened constantly throughout the day would be too much for workers to bear.

A High Court injunction, which remains in force, prevents the screen from being used.

The latest planning application proposes screening to protect Waterloo House and requests temporary permission for three years.

Council planning officers insist tests showed there would be no increase at all in background noise levels for workers in the offices.

But in the Council House and the Town Hall there would be a “just noticeable change” in noise levels, according to a report to the planning committee. The report adds that the screen would be audible in the Council House, “but only if someone listens carefully”.

Planners also reject a torrent of complaints about the impact the modern structure would have on historic Victoria Square.

The council’s own conservation and heritage panel described the screen as a “monstrous” intrusion which would ruin the tranquil nature of the square.

Birmingham Civic Society and Birmingham Victorian Society warned the ambience of Victoria Square and listed buildings including the Town Hall and Council House would be destroyed by the screen, which will show programmes from 7am to 11.30pm.

Council planning officer John Davies argued that the screen, which will be run by the BBC and show major sporting events, local news and public information, will encourage tourism in the city centre.

Mr Davies said: “It has been designed to complement the character of existing street furniture and sculptures within Victoria Square and the location is such that it would have minimal impact on the setting of nearby listed buildings.”