No review of Edgbaston revamp

Warwickshire stress the financial importance of Edgbaston's proposed development, though some locals have voiced environmental concerns

Work to redevelop Edgbaston is set to go ahead after a legal challenge by residents was rejected at the first possible stage.

Birmingham County Court judge Jack Beatson ruled yesterday that the Cannon Hill Neighbourhood Forum had no grounds for a judicial review into the granting of planning permission for new stands, permanent floodlights, offices, shops and apartments at the ground.

Warwickshire now plan to commence £30million construction work in the New Year, developments the club feel is necessary to preserve Edgbaston’s international status beyond 2011.

Warwickshire chief executive Colin Povey said: “This is great news for the club and for the city and this should clear the way for us to make a material start on-site very early in the New Year.

“Whilst the objectors still have the right to apply to the Court of Appeal this clearly represents another significant step forward.

“It is imperative that Edgbaston retains its Category A status and keeps international cricket in Birmingham and we can now look forward to delivering a world-class venue which will be a real asset for the city.”

In court, lawyers representing the Cannon Hill Neighbourhood Forum claimed that Birmingham City Council had raised concerns over the local bat population, traffic congestion, the effect of floodlights on the area and the ‘moderate’ risk of ground contamination, but failed to answer any of them before approving the planning application.

The residents also called for retractable floodlights, similar to ones installed at the Brit Oval in London, rather than five permanent columns.

But Mr Justice Beatson said that in his view the council’s planning department had considered all the evidence and possibilities and correctly decided that the development did not have a ‘significant environmental impact’ which required further detailed investigation.

He said that an earlier public inquiry over the installation of floodlights, previous inspections of the ground and planning conditions requiring bat surveys be carried out before building work had all addressed those concerns.

The residents have seven days from the decision to consult with their lawyer and lodge an appeal.