Note: This 2011 candidate’s Q & A page for the Acocks Green Ward election has been retained for interest because Cllr Stacey was the successful candidate at this election, and is scheduled to remain a councillor for Acocks Green until 2014. There will be new candidate’s Q & A pages for May 3 2012 appearing shortly.
Questions for Candidates
Q: Are you concerned that the new Tesco development at Yardley could cause the decline of the shopping centre in Acocks Green village?
A: Yes, although traffic that will be attracted to the Swan area may cause some shoppers to return to the Village over time. However the net effect is bound to be detrimental, which is why Acocks Green will need careful support to minimise the damage and maximise alternative growth.
Q: If so, and if elected, what measures would you encourage Birmingham City Council to adopt in order to ensure that Acocks Green centre remains economically healthy and vibrant?
A: The adoption of a Business Improvement District is crucial as one enabler of implementing an improved environment. But alongside environmental improvement it must also investigate how the Village can become a specialist centre to attract a wider clientele and broaden its economic base.
Q: Do you support the Birmingham City Council/Solihull MBC/Centro scheme for a Smart Route on the Warwick Road from Stratford Road to Lode Lane? A Smart Route is a red route with special facilities for buses. If you are unfamiliar with this scheme there is a report on a meeting between Birmingham City Council Transportation Department staff and Acocks Green delegates in the ‘post’ linked to below here:
http://acocksgreenfocusgroup.org.uk/2010/10/16/acocks-green-meets-with-birmingham-city-council-transportation-planning-regeneration-department-re-warwick-road/
A: This is the most likely way for many years of funding radical proposals to improve the Village environment, such as “shared space”, that put the pedestrian/shopper at the heart of the use of the public realm. I have spent a considerable amount of time over the past few years working with others, including the Focus Group, to develop these.
Q: If you are elected, and if you support this scheme (funding is still to be arranged) will you support, as the first major part of it, the implementation of a single carriageway through part of Acocks Green centre, to replace part of the present dual carriageway there? (See ‘post’ link above for more details.)
A: As a daily user of this stretch as a pedestrian and a driver I regard this as essential to bringing traffic speeds down to safe and comfortable levels, dealing as it would with issues like the Oxford Rd/Victoria Rd junction and the entrance/exit/pedestrian crossing at Sainsbury’s. The change of mindset from “a place of through traffic movement” to “a place for people” will be crucial to the economic, environmental and social wellbeing of the Village: i.e. its sustainability.
Q: If elected, will you actively also support ‘de-cluttering’ (removal of excess street furniture) as part of the implementation of this scheme?
A: Yes. Some street furniture is essential, but each bit must be shown to have a purpose that is an agreed objective, while the “whole” must also set the ambience of the area that we want.
Q: There are presently plans under discussion for Acocks Green people to propose their own Conservation Area, working towards presenting their own proposed boundary and an appraisal of the area, with some guidance from BCC officers. If elected, would you support such a scheme, in principle, and support it in the process of your work as a councillor, e.g. speaking and voting in favour where possible. If the answer is ‘this depends’ please elaborate.
A: As one of the originators of the idea I would use my experience of the Planning system to progress this as fast as possible, before we lose more of our precious heritage. However it can only succeed with the support of the community it will benefit.
Q: There is currently concern in the community about a scheme under discussion to demolish The Glynn Edwards Baptist Hall (corner of Yardley Road and Alexander Road, Acocks Green.) The Hall would be replaced with a new, plate glass design. The owners of the Hall claim that the scheme would enable them to finance proper maintenance for the two statutorily listed buildings on either side. They say they would be able to let small rooms in the new building. See our main Glynn Edwards Hall posting here . (A subsequent post on the building reproduces a letter from the owners.)
If elected, would you support or oppose this scheme, in its present form. Please give at least one reason in your answer.
A: I would oppose it in its current form, because of the design of the replacement building, which I believe is appalling (in its own right, let alone the very special context of two Listed buildings and a potential Conservation Area). However I have some sympathy with the ideas behind the proposal, i.e. to generate income so that the Listed Buildings are brought fully into use (their best protection). With a high quality, appropriate design for the corner which enhances the street scene it might be supportable, but I’m afraid we are a million miles from that.