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PRIVACY
Economic Development

Sutton Coldfield tower blocks poised for green light

Long-awaited plans are set to be backed by city council despite protests over spoilt views from Sutton Park

Sutton Coldfield

Long-awaited proposals to build five tower blocks in town centre are set to be approved by city planners next week.

Pegasus Life wants to build the towers as part of a retirement village complex on waste ground at Brassington Avenue, between the Gracechurch Shopping Centre and main railway line.

Designs for the towers, which range from nine to 16 storeys and contain a total of 240 apartments, have been controversial with 45 letters of objection from residents.

English Heritage and the council's own conservation panel have complained the towers are too tall and will spoil views from the historic Sutton Park.

According to a report to the planning committee, English Heritage said: "An assessment of the level of harm that the development may cause to the setting of and significance of the asset (Sutton Park) is required followed by a reduction in the height of the towers, should the harm prove unacceptable."

Councillor David Pears (Con Sutton Trinity) said: "The height of buildings overlooks properties on the other side of the railway line and detracts from the vista from

"The height is not in keeping with the street scene or the character of the area."

He also says that parking for 120 cars is insufficient and will lead to further on street parking problems in the town centre.