Solihull Council explains decision to knock back Grand Union Canal marina plans
DETAILS behind the refusal for plans for two canal marinas on greenbelt land in Solihull are available online for residents to view.
Despite being recommended for approval, Solihull Council’s planning committee rejected the applications for land by the Grand Union Canal, at Knowle Locks, on December 21, which had met with fierce opposition from residents.
One application, for a 223-berth marina at Stripes Hill Farm, Warwick Road, was deemed inappropriate due to its “significant impact on the openness of the greenbelt”.
It would have incorporated a car park, site office and toilets.
A further application, for a 140-berth mooring facility by the Grade Two-listed Grove Farm, was refused for the same reasons.
The committee also believed its design could adversely affect the surrounding landscape and pose a flooding risk.
The news was welcomed by Meriden MP Caroline Spelman.
She said: “I am delighted that these applications have been rejected as I do not believe that they constitute the special circumstances in which greenbelt land should undergo development.”
Earlier this month, Solihull Council approved plans for Marie Curie Cancer Care to build a hospice on greenbelt land.
* The council’s decision can be seen at www.solihull.gov.uk/planning
