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Have Your Say.....
Posted Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Rock On!!??? This will be an off - centre development that
will close all the little one man band shops when Asda bring
in their sledgehammer approach and undercut all the other
shops that will become more cafes/charity shops and empty
spaces. We have been conned ok - Shirley Retreats!!!
Dave
Posted Monday, February 25, 2008
What's all the fuss about, this is a great project and
couldn't
happen sooner, will transform Shirley and bring it a much
needed facelift. Rock-on.
Euan
Posted Monday, February 18, 2008
Well it looks like the CONservative's are going to get
there own way on this development against the wishes of
thousands of VOTERS (how thick skinned can they be) I for one
will be glad to see the back of them after the next election.
Mr Stephen Eacock
Posted
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
With regards to John Brabhams blog site - he tells us that it was
obvious to everybody that right from the start ASDA were to be
the new hypermarket taking over the town centre.
Then why did Shirley advance say that it was going to tender
to all supermarkets and ASDA was never mentioned in any of the
presentations/ have it away days and the like? Like lots of
other things, it was covered up.
Solihull councillors, like him, who voted this through don't
live in Shirley and never had the decency to come and discuss
it with the residents.
Interesting to see that kate wild recently held two meetings
with Hillfield residents to discuss and understand their
parking plight. Wonder if that had happened if the problem was
in far away Shirley????
Resident Dave
Posted Monday, November 5, 2007
I think, having looked at all these comments and obvious
misinformation contained within them, that the easiest thing
to do is to point contributors to this post to my blogsite,
where they can read a potted history of the Powergen site and
Asda's involvement with the HoS development.
In my view, everyone should have at least an idea of what went
on long before this controversy blew up, and how this Council
has tried to handle the situation to limit the damage that
could have otherwise been caused to the area as a whole.
Go to
http://cllrjohnbramham.blogspot.com for an objective view
of the matter from an insider's perspective.
Cllr Johnny Bramham, Elmdon
Posted Monday, October 8, 2007
As someone thinking of buying a house in Shirley, I would
like to know if this development is going to happen or not. I
will probably reconsider purchasing in the area near to the
park (currently an attractive proposition) if the development
is going to take place, as I don't want to live near to a
building site or have lots of increased traffic on the
roads....nor do I see the need for an ASDA when there is
already loads of choice in the shops available. Plus, within
a mile or so, there are already around 6 supermarkets eg
Sainsburys, 2 X Tesco, Morrisons, Aldi, Iceland. For goodness
sake, if there is going to be any re-development, make it
INTELLIGENT!!!!!
Lorna
Posted Monday, August 27, 2007
The only improvement that I can see in Shirley is the new
traffic island on the Stratford Rd. Just when is this
new development going to begin??
Christopher C
Posted Thursday, December 14, 2006
The development is exactly what is needed, Shirley's dying and needs to
sort its self out. Shirley is a throw back to the 70s, people
need to move with the times. It's full of pound shops and
charity shops, I don't know another area of Birmingham that is
more lifeless. There is absolutely no character at the moment-
thets get some variety and interesting places to go, rather
than the post office, farm foods or the Saracens Head!!
Joshua
Posted Thursday, December 14, 2006
Forget the super market development. Stick an
traffic island in halfway down and join it to a large open car
park (remember the civic car park in Solihull) behind the
shops in the Shirley park - job done!
Congested of Shirley
Posted Friday, July 21, 2006
At the KSA/Shirley Residents Meeting a couple of
months ago, Kate Wild ( Cons Councillor) urged us to go and
see the planning process in action when the Shirley Advance
application was put forward. Well I did - and what an eye
opener. 3 and half hours of presentations, with lots of
conflicting data. Did the planning committee discuss any of
this - no way!! Two spoke from prepared scripts with no
reference to any of the points put forward, and 4 stayed
silent, leaving the Lib Dems to put points forward. Then the
vote 5 - 3 in favour.
The whole thing was a stitch up with minds made up before the
meeting and the speakers wasted their time - nothing would
sway them... and why?? It was a conservative council led
application, on council land, so why would the conservative
members of the planning committee refuse it? They would have
had to face that nice Mr Ted Richards and explain themselves!!
Its all well for the conservative councillors as they don't
live in Shirley and won't have to suffer the consequences.
Roll on the May local elections. What with this and toilets,
they really are the CON-servative party.
Dave
Posted Monday, July 17, 2006
Its great news that Shirley's is to be developed, my
only concern is that the roads can take the future traffic.
I feel the whole area has become a rat race full of people
rushing around with one thought on there minds, which is them
self.
John Edwards
Posted Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Now is the time to have your say. Solihull Council
is about to make a decision. On 19 July the planners,
Councillors and officers, will decide the fate of Shirley when
they meet at 6.00pm on that date in the Council Chamber Homer
Road Solihull to determine the planning application submitted
by Shirley Advance for the Asda one stop shop and the
desecration of Shirley Park. You can register your protest or
approval by being there. The future of Shirley is in your
hands.
Rod
Posted Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Jim - you seem not to have read the plan correctly
- you will see that the development has no cinema or ice rink
- just big shops that will cause all the other shops to close
- and be replaced with what? Asda one stop shop will kill
Shirley and all the nooks and crannies will be like a honey
pot to groups of kids to meet up and do what? - they will
still have nothing to do even when the 100 million quid is
spent.
Dave
Posted Monday, June 12, 2006
Yeah, that's right Jim Guest, let's have Shirley
clogged up with sick, litter and even more ASBO's - which will
be the inevitable truth if your sordid, bar-ridden vision of
Shirley is to be seen. Preservation is the long overdue key
but this appears to have been ruled out by 'Shirley Advance'.
If 'convenience' is to have more bars and youth hangouts in
the area then I'd rather be inconvenienced. Solihull and
Birmingham continue to provide a plethora of places to go out
- old and new - It is evident that people in the area are
becoming tired of the constant concrete-isation of their once
quaint surrounding area and moving away - who will shop at
ASDA then?
I feel another cock-up on the horizon. B90, a sought after
postcode?? Give it 10 years and it will be a 'ghost-town'
shadow of its former self!
Brewknow
Posted Wednesday, April 19, 2006
You really have to smile, don't you, at some of the
so called reasons being put forward for the development of the
'New Heart for Shirley'? For instance ASDA says in its defence
that 'many people simply do not have choice when it comes to
their weekly shop'. How much choice do the people of Shirley
need? Much has been said by other contributors and
correspondents to the local papers regarding the number of
food outlets already located on the Stratford Road corridor so
no need to comment further here. I cannot think of any other
areas of the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull where there is
already such a concentration of food outlets or even indeed
around the fringes of the City of Birmingham. The truth is
that the whole scheme is a done deal and the 'have your say
days' were nothing short of a sham, the costs of which,
including the latest reports, will just be built into the over
all cost of the project. Anyone who does their own shopping
will know that ASDA prices are on a par with TESCO prices and,
both Sainsbury and TESCO issue loyalty cards. I look forward
to sticking with TESCO!
John Pirie
Posted Tuesday, April 4, 2006
The sooner this is done the better. Shirley is fact becoming
1 big car dealership and I for one want to see more
entertainment venues, bars, restaurants, coffee bars, even a
nightclub. If you call the Red Lion and The Saracen's Head
quality venues, and adequate for this century then you are
deluded. There's no indoor kids venues or bowling alley or
cinema or ice rink, the list goes on! I for one am sick of
car dealerships and bathroom showrooms taking up land and the
vibe of the area.
Jim Guest
Posted Thursday, March 23, 2006
Reference Shirley Advance's 4 page spread...
The picture of the entrance shows an empty Stratford road with
one bike!! - no mention of the huge increase in traffic need
to bring hundreds of people from outside the area to make it
viable!
Just one shopkeeper condoning the scheme ( who's shop is being
bought by the developers and relocated) - no mention of the
independent shopkeepers who will decimated after the fight
with Asda's unfair competitive advantage, where are comments
about their concern?
The original foodstore concept is now a superstore, which with
Asda's one-stop shop philosophy, will this mean goodbye to
local shops selling the same things?
The "New Heart" is so near the edge of town, it could just as
well be on the Powergen site, so how will this help the shops
at the other end of Shirley? Asda was originally turned down
for the Powergen site - could the proposed site could be much
nearer?
Will people really want to go out of the new centre if it is
raining, or not, and try and cross a busy road, which has
already been identified by the council to increase in traffic
numbers? Will they go and buy their bread, flowers, dry
cleaning, meat, and greengrocery from local shops or the
undercut price in the superstore?
The public consultation was a sham after using the results
from 600 people to decide on what 30,000+ residents want.
Solihull Council, who are part of Shirley Advance, decided
that the Shirley residents were to have this development but
adamantly refuse to have a public meeting to explain/discuss
- Wonder why that is? So much for "Have your Say!"
Current daily users of the Car Park, which will disappear
under the Asda one stop shop, will now have to pay for
parking. Will they try and find somewhere else to park - maybe
the local side streets?
Haslucks Green road will be the only entrance - it is already
a very busy road - and is this expected to take the massive
increase?
Isn't it strange that Asda who control the Powergen site
became the winners of the superstore bid, and now have handed
over Powergen to the Council?
There have been many comments in the papers from residents
over the past months and on web forums asking for a public
meting with Ted Richards and the other non-Shirley councillors
who want to railroad this development through without
consultation. If they are so confident in their views and
decisions, let them explain now before this development goes
to Planning. The money behind this scheme will pay for the
best legal teams to push it through for the Council, with the
residents and tax payers being the ones that will have to put
up with the extra traffic and boarded up shops and NO SAY.
Shirley needs revival - but the whole of Shirley - without
shop closures - no more traffic.
Dave
Posted Monday, March 13, 2006
I was delighted to read the comments from Mrs JG posted on 23
February and I trust that she and many more like her will make
their views known to Shirley Advance and the Council when the
planning application is submitted to the Council towards the
end of March. Shirley Advance is about to launch its
pre-application propaganda with wrap-around advertisements on
local newspapers with the express objective of stifling
objections. They and the Council have treated Shirley
residents and local shopkeepers with utter contempt in the
consultation process, their claims that Shirley is dying, and
the totally unwanted and unjustified development. Members of
Parliament have recently sent a shot across the bows of the
Big Four Supermarkets claiming that they are destroying and
will continue to destroy local independent traders at an
alarming rate. The Office of Fair Trading is also considering
referring the Big Four to the Competition Commission alleging
breaches of the competition rules and impacting unfairly on
local traders. If that is what you want to see happen in
Shirley then vote for Shirley Advance and Asda. If you do not
then object to the planning application with all your might
and in large numbers. Remember, Asda's boast is that it is a
one-stop shop and the large car-park is for the benefit of its
customers only. Despite claims to the contrary the car park
is not free - after three hours you will have to pay. The
construction of some very nice apartments with views over the
park is a carrot. The facts are that they and Asda will be
built on parkland and public open space which can never be
replaced. John Prescott the Deputy Prime Minister should be
involved and hold an independent public inquiry. It is wholly
wrong that the Council which owns most of the land should
determine the planning application. Write to John Prescott MP
at the House of Commons London SW1A 0AA - now - and demand
that he intervenes.
Rodney Pitham
Posted Thursday, February 23, 2006
As a resident who lives about half a mile from the proposed
ASDA development and a mother of a child at Haslucks Green
School - which is very close to the site, and as a pedestrian
who doesn't drive at all, I'm glad to have found this forum to
air my views. I don't like the plans for this development in
many ways - and, I have viewed them at a presentation at
Haslucks Green School last year. When I said I didn't like the
plans to one of the 'reps' at the presentation he was later
heard to whisper to a coleague that I must be " one of the
organised opposition"! Well I'm not with any organised
opposition - just an ordinary resident who like many, feel the
Council is snubbing its nose at those of us who have serious
concerns regarding the plans, and there are lots of us! It's
bad enough just trying to cross Haslucks Green road and even
walking along it I don't feel safe from the traffic. I'm also
really worried about the children going in and out of Haslucks
Green School - the crossing man already takes his life in his
hands just stepping out in to the road! The site is going to
be so close to the Haslucks Green/Stratford Road junction I
really think it's a disaster waiting to happen. How can two of
the busiest roads in the borough cope with any more traffic? I
also don't like the proposed public spaces within the complex,
I think they will be a magnet for trouble, and anyway why
include them when we've got a perfectly lovely park, right
there, next to it? Let's not pretend this is going to be
anything other than another cloned retail complex, it won't be
there for the benefit of the community, just another sales
outlet for a massive multi-national, namely ASDA. Get real
Solihull Council and start listening because I can't wait for
the next round of local elections!
Mrs JG
Posted Monday, February 13, 2006
This was sent personally to each cabinet and overview/scrutiny
member....
There have been many comments recently in the local press
regarding the opposition to the development of Shirley "Town
Centre".
The only recent evidence of any poll or resident views were
those taken by Shirley Advance who presented this information
to the Cabinet. It showed only a small number of the total
residents had responded with insufficient evidence to show
that all the residents actually wanted this and impact on
local traders, traffic etc.
The Solihull Cabinet have decided that this development
should be pursued without proper MAJORITY support from the tax
payers and residents - indeed all of the voting Cabinet live
outside the area and seem to take their views from Shirley
Advance, who will obviously take a biased view ( remember the
famous phrase, "Statistics, Statistics and Damn Right ....!!)
and a report some 10 years old.
There has been no proof given that the local shops will not
suffer or go out of business with the new development due to
unfair competition - and the recently suggested parking
charges for the whole area whilst the Asda complex,
potentially, stays parking free.
If you, the Cabinet, really believe, hand on heart, that this
is good for the residents, not just those who will journey to
Shirley to get the benefits, but the real local residents -
and good for the small existing shop owners who will have to
compete with the unfair competitive development, then why
don't you hold a public meeting where all the Cabinet members
can attend to stand up and explain why each one believes this
to be good for Shirley Residents and views on how the existing
shops will survive.
Much time and effort has gone in by all sides to develop this
"Heart of Shirley". Solihull Cabinet should prove to the
residents that it won't be a "Heart Attack". The request
therefore goes to the Solihull Cabinet - If you truly have the
courage of your convictions then MEET THE RESIDENTS - We can
have a whip round to hire Shirley Centre for you and provide
you with a free cup of tea/coffee.
A concerned resident
Dave
Posted Wednesday, January 11, 2006
It is amazing that Asda are now got their way and must be
laughing all the way to the bank ...and ready to undercut all
the existing shops in Shirley. I wonder which other
supermarkets were invited to tender? - there weren't many able
to give up a valuable plot for the councils coffers.
The inappropriately named Heart of Shirley will suck the blood
out of the rest of Shirley - and there is a chance it will
become a ghost town.
This development will only be viable by bringing in lots of
visitors from out of the area - more cars, more traffic
congestion - we don't need them.
The Council cabinet, who are making this huge decision for the
Shirley residents, should hold a public meeting of the
residents to get a real feel of whether we really do want it -
or are they too scared to know the truth?
Dave
Posted Monday, January 9, 2006
It is now official that Asda will operate the superstore, subject to
planning permission being granted. Residents of Shirley
should not forget that Asda is owned by the American WalMart,
the biggest retailer in the world. Their first duty is to
their American shareholders; local independent shopkeepers and
local residents are very low down on their list of priorities
and affiliation. Despite the spin doctors employed by the
Council and Shirley Advance who tell us that Shirley is doomed
it is in fact thriving, but Asda's appearance will put a stop
to that. Residents prevented Asda coming once before to
Shirley and they can do it again.
Rodney Pitham
Posted Tuesday, December 6, 2005
I am 15 and live in Shirley, I think that the council
should stop wasting time on unneeded shopping centres and
think about the real needs. i have recently been to some
countries in Europe such as Denmark and Belgium and they have
cycle lanes almost as wide as one lane in the road, this is
what we need instead of lanes so thin we can barely ride on.
The police and media are always talking about youths causing
trouble. for a start this is only some youths and not all of
us are like that. the reason why we are seen hanging around on
corners and public areas is that there is nothing to do, here
are my suggestions for a plan to give youths of my age
something to do:
-Better security in the skate park in Shirley park.
-Wider and more cycle lanes throughout the town.
-An area where we can ride scramblers and dirt jumping
motocross bikes such as dirt jumps or tracks.
-a paintball or outdoor activities centre with things such as,
rock climbing and zip wires.
-Another point is we should have a separate lane for mopeds and
scooters.
I hope you take into consideration my points and do something
for people between the age of 14 and 18. If any one wants to
contact me and wants to say anything about my issues or does
no agree then please email me:
Lewis, 15
Posted Thursday, November 17, 2005
I'm dreading the development, the traffic will be
horrendous. There is no need for another supermarket in
Shirley! There are already 7 in the area. If people want a
shopping area with High Street shops go in to Solihull or to
Birmingham, where they have excellent shopping areas.
Richard
Posted Monday, October 31, 2005
Barry - And you think Asda's one stop shop will be any
better? This development at the top end of Shirley will be the
death knell to lots of small independents in Shirley.
Dave
Posted Monday, October 24, 2005
Do you really believe that Tesco will not wheedle their
way into this redevelopment? They will - and they will bleed
Shirley dry.
Barry
Posted Wednesday, October 19, 2005
I wonder how many residents in Shirley have noticed that
the "TO LET" sign which has been on the two top floors of the
Bank of Ireland for the past five years is now missing,
ominous don't you think.
Maggie
Posted Thursday, October 13, 2005
For those that think the development of Shirley is a good
thing can I suggest they go and see the Asda in Small
Heath/Hay Mills. I lived in Hay Mills 15 years ago
before the Asda was built, and there was a fairly thriving
little high street. Go back now and many of the shops
have closed down and are boarded up. People who shopped at
ASDA *NEVER* walked up the high street. Plus the
roundabout next to Asda is always congested, with the traffic
trying to get in and out of Asda. If this development
in Shirley goes ahead, within 2 years half the shops in what
is left of the high street will be empty, and the congestion
around the top of the high street and Haslucks green road will
be awful. It will destroy Shirley and is just greed by
the council and the developers.
Can I also say that the developers who want to build the
"heart of Shirley" do not care about the area, they just want
o make loads of money. These type of developers are
already ruining Welford Road and Cropthorne Road, near where I
live, by knocking down perfectly good semi detached houses and
building 12 houses on what was the gardens. And the new
estate in Cropthorne Road they have the nerve to call
Cropthorne Gardens !. The very gardens they have just built on
! Anyway, they have crammed the houses in so close together
they have no room for gardens.
Alan
Posted Thursday, September 15, 2005
It really is time for Solihull Council to become proactive
in getting the views of Shirley Residents and Shopkeepers -
and not rely on Shirley Advance who will filter any comments
made to them to make sure no negative views are printed.
If Ted Richards is so confident that the majority of people
want this development, then why doesn't he chair a public
meeting in Shirley and ask for comments.
Fed Up With Spin
Posted Monday, September 5, 2005
I am another local resident who is absolutely appalled by
these proposals. I live in a rented flat above a shop on the
Stratford Road, right at the heart of where these plans are to
take place. How do the council expect us (the small silent
brigade who live in these dwellings) to put up with years of
noise, pollution and traffic disruption as this great 'heart
of Shirley' is built? I choose to live in Shirley because it
is small, friendly and suburban - if i wanted the hustle and
bustle i would live in town, i.e Solihull, please note Shirley
is NOT a town! Why doesn't anyone listen to us - we don't want
this scheme - bet ya all the planners are quite happily living
in Dorridge or Knowle and enjoying the quiet life whilst we
local people have to deal with this proposed intrusion into
our lives. And on a final note - please don't believe that the
plans to build 'affordable' housing will help any of us
residing in Shirley who currently cant get on the housing
ladder. These schemes of 'shared ownership' actually work out
dearer than normal house sales, as you have to pay a huge
amount of rent AND mortgage fees once a month, not to mention
the 'service' charges and car parking permits. Its just a way
of them buttering us up, so we can all think that they are
doing something for us 'young'. Its a huge elaborate joke!
Jan
Posted Thursday, September 1, 2005
But Dorothy, the development is in the wrong place - right
at one end of the high street, with a superstore that will
compete unfairly against the other shops. You may wish to walk
up and down the road - most won't - they will shop at the one
stop shop complex and the other shops will not be visited -
especially when it is cold and raining and so will close down.
Still as you walk you can wave to the congested, snarled up
traffic bringing in all the outsiders that will be required to
make the shops in the posh end of Shirley viable. Even go up
to Haslucks Green road and watch all the extra traffic using
the one and only entrance - and slowing all that traffic down.
We need a development of the WHOLE of Shirley high street, not
just a small area. This planned development is just a plan to
make money for the Council and Developers - not to improve the
whole of Shirley( and I have nothing to do with KSA).
Dave
Posted Wednesday, August 31, 2005
I thoroughly enjoy reading the letters page of the
Solihull News/Times which invariably has lots of letters on
this subject. However is does make me smile when the KSA group
assume that they are speaking on behalf of the majority of
Shirley residents, Can KSA not see that if the majority of
residents were against this development that they would be
making themselves heard. The plain and simple fact is that
Shirley Town centre (its not a village ) is desperately in
need of redevelopment. I visit on average twice a week. I
visit a wide variety of stores/shops. I envisage visiting
twice as often when the development is complete and will still
walk up one side and down the other of the Stratford road as
well as all the new shops planned. I have yet to meet anyone
who is against this scheme but have spoken to lots that are in
favour, they are the silent majority, silent because they are
in favour. Roll on 2007 and lets see this wonderful town
evolve into an even better place.
Dorothy
Posted Tuesday, August 30, 2005
One appender says "How can £70m of investment be a bad
thing for any area?" How about when that money is used to
build on part of our local park ? How about when that
money is used to build a supermarket, YET ANOTHER supermarket?
How about when the money invested just brings more cars to an
ever congested Shirley ? How about when the money invested
causes many local shops to close down because nobody bothers
to walk around the 'old' shops anymore. If you want to invest
money how about something for people to do. My son is in the
scouts, and almost everything they do is outside of Solihull.
They go to Akers trust in Small Heath, they go indoor climbing
near the centre of Birmingham, they go swimming in Sheldon,
they go to laser Quest and Bowling in Acocks Green.
About the only thing they do in Solihull is to the ice rink in
Lode lane. Solihull council are very lax when it come to
helping to provide some amenities.
Alan
Posted Friday, August 19, 2005
People seem to forget that Shirley is NOT a 'town'. It is
merely a district of Solihull. I live in Shirley and Stratford
Road just cannot cope with the ever increasing traffic that
floods through it. If you are going to redevelop Shirley, you
have to redevelop the Stratford Road as well. The Red Route is
an improvement, but I think more can be done to speed up the
traffic though Shirley.
Dave
Posted Friday, August 19, 2005
For those who think Shirley is a village, why don't they
travel to somewhere like Castle Comb -
http://www.castle-combe.com/ - that's a village!! Shirley
may well have been a village, in 1920! And for those who
think there is a conspiracy going on - you must be watching
too much tv! How can £70m of investment be a bad thing
for any area?
I Cant wait
Posted Monday, August 8, 2005
I think that the Council have slowly introduced the idea
that Shirley is a town as the planning regulations for towns
are more favourable to what Solihull Council wants to do.
Planning Policy Statement 6 on the web site of the Office of
the Deputy Prime Minister if any one wants a look! Therefore
if Solihull Council get us all to consider that Shirley as a
town they are more likely to get their plans past the Office
of the Deputy Prime Minister. Shirley is more of a district if
you use the criteria of ODPM There is also the repeated use
of the term sustainable community. I don't think they actually
know the meaning of the word. If we really want this
development stopped we have got to be united in our opposition
and not to give in to fatalism. I sincerely hope the
plans will falter on the lack of 'bottom up' policy
making. Lack of consultation with residents about initial
policy making. The reliance on old data gathered in the
previous 1997 - 1998 Powergen skirmish to justify
decisions. The lack of transparency and consensus and parsimony
in releasing information. If people really think that these
plans will revitalise Shirley then I suggest that they they
drive through Selly Oak Birmingham. Since the building of
Sainsburys the centre has not been so much killed as hung,
drawn and quartered
Linz
Posted Thursday, July 28, 2005
Are Shirley Advance being economical with the truth?
Tesco appear not to have been invited. Shirley Advance website
states:-
Q Can you confirm Asda's involvement in the development?
Negotiations with all major food stores are taking place. A
preferred retailer for the development of Shirley Town Centre
will be confirmed in due course.
Do/did they mean ALL? or just the one the council said - after
all it was mr Richards who some time ago said that Asda would
come to Shirley.
Duped of Shirley
Posted Thursday, July 28, 2005
I think that it is abundantly clear that the council are
using the Shirley Advance setup as a vehicle to placate Asda.
Shirley Advance clearly didn't offer a bid to Tesco - did they
approach anybody else? All behind closed doors... But wait a
minute, they are spending local tax payers money - my money!!
Do the council not have an obligation to ensure the best deal
is achieved.... or is the best deal "Lets give Asda the heart
of Shirley spot and let them give up the Powegen site"?
This whole debacle stinks of wheeling and dealing - and no
regard to residents - just to make the developers a lot of
money. But as Robert Birch says "Its of no concern to us" -
HOHO
Unhappier Shirley Resident
Posted Tuesday, July 26, 2005
So now GC Shirley have entered the Heart of Shirley debate
with an alternative plan to relocate Tesco in the town centre
and replace their Hall Green/Shirley site with housing -
without taking any of the parkland. Brilliant!! Shirley
Advance have not agreed or denied that Tesco were in the
original process of asking supermarkets to bid - but if they
excluded Tesco then the Council should come clean about this
whole affair. There is too much in secret. The council must
now prove that the people of Shirley and the Shopkeepers want
the huge development that Shirley Advance are proposing - and
stop them banding around the percentages of "happy customers"
that were based on a ridiculously small sample, in the main
those people who attended their meeting. Come on
Solihull Councillors, have the bottle to stand up and be
counted to prove that this process has been fair and open -
and not just a "lets please Asda" stunt.
Levus Alone
Posted Monday, July 25, 2005
The existing supermarkets are primarily food stores. The
development plan called for an anchor food store - Shirley
Advance are proposing a superstore - which is likely not to be
just a food store but a one stop shop. This will be
disadvantageous to the existing smaller shops. Rents will go
up to match the wonderful town centre? Will they be able to
compete? We are told that Charity shops are unwelcome -
so where do they go? What goes in their place? Will people
really want to park in the underground car park and visit
Iceland and the shops in this area which is the true centre =
"Heart" of Shirley. Let us see the evidence that the
people of Shirley want this - not by Shirley Advance who will
load the questions and decide on the voting method, but by a
truly independent process, without any bias from
Council/Developers. And if the store is given to Asda,
they will be laughing all the way to the bank - we might just
have let them win in 1997, save all this wasted money and at
least the monstrosity of the Powergen building would have been
raised to the ground.
Another Unhappy Resident
Posted Monday, July 25, 2005
After this major development is built on the West side of
the Stratford Road, has anyone considered what will happen to
all the shops on the East side of the Stratford Road.
Major companies who are currently on the East side of the
road, like Marks and Spencers, Boots, and the banks and
building societies such as Nat West, Halifax, Barclays and
Alliance and Leicester, will all move to the West side. This
will decimate the East side of the road, and many of the shops
will remain empty. It will soon fall into decline. Ted
Richards says he wants to put a new heart into Shirley, but
all he will be doing is to pull the heart out of middle of the
Stratford Road, and put it back over the West side.
Linda
Posted Monday, July 25, 2005
Ted Richards says "We know that Shirley is in decline".
I have lived in Shirley for 15 years and I have seen no sign
of decline. Since I have lived here I have seen the
development of the Nottcuts and Tesco site, the building of
Sainsbury's, and the development of the Monkspath retail park.
The old Lucas site is being developed, we have a new Honda
dealership, the old cinema site is being turned into a BMW
dealership, Safeways is being turned into a Morrisons, and
Marks and Spencer were happy to move here. We have also
seen the development of the Blythe Valley Business park
nearby. We have also had the Stratford road dug up, and dug up
again, and dug up again, then painted with red lines that were
not required, by a wasteful council. I guess the only
blot in the area is the empty Powergen site.
Ted Richard was also quoted as saying the development will put
the heart back into Shirley. Can I suggest he comes down here
on a Saturday and see the hundreds of shoppers, and many cars
driving up and down the Stratford Road. Hardly an area
in decline.
Alan
Posted Friday, July 22, 2005
Is Shirley Advance a front for Wal-Mart? Shirley Advance
has claimed that there aren't any supermarkets in Shirley.
That is untrue, but the council seems incapable of countering
it. Just to show how these people think. There are
along the Stratford Road, going into Birmingham -
1. Tesco Extra - just off M42
2. Sainsbury's - two miles further on
3. Morrisons, Iceland, Aldi and Marks and Spencer's Simply
Food in Shirley on the Stratford Road
4. Tesco - in Shirley, but bordering Hall Green
Plus there is a Somerfield, Co-op, and a couple of
independents just off the Stratford Road.
>From Shirley Advance website -
Q Can you confirm Asda's involvement in the development?
Negotiations with all major food stores are taking place. A
preferred retailer for the development of Shirley Town Centre
will be confirmed in due course.
Only a seasoned cretin would believe that negotiations are
going on with anyone other than Asda! All the other big 3
supermarkets, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Morrisons have just spent
or are spending now (Morrisons) to have expensive refits!
Could anyone say we have no supermarkets in Shirley? Well Asda
does!
Robert Parkhouse
Posted Friday, July 22, 2005
10 Conservative Councillors who make up the Solihull
Council Cabinet, none of whom live in the Shirley area, have
decided that the Heart of Shirley should go ahead for
planning.
Shopkeepers on the Stratford Road must be happy that a one
stop superstore, with a huge car park attached to it, will be
built to provide them with competition!!
The traffic will be far more dense when people from out of
Shirley descend on our already congested roads. Goodbye to
trees and parkland for ever ( try getting a tree demolished
where you live).
The whole process has had no independent review - all reviews
done by the council. Other surveys for non-council bodies
believe that the new development is flawed.
The Council have given the go ahead for planning without
knowing that their current tenants have not yet been given a
new home. This will mean that hundreds of people who live in
Shirley could be disadvantaged so that the developers can make
their millions and the Conservative Councillors who don't
visit Shirley can spend 100 million of Council Tax money.
Still, it is obvious they care not for the locals of Shirley -
just look at the Red Route, our ridiculous cycle path layout
and those huge plant pots that block the pavement.
Roll on the next council elections
Unhappy Shirley Resident
Posted Monday, July 18, 2005
So the scrutiny meeting went ahead and it just showed what
a stitch up this whole consultation process is. Shirley
Advance say that two thirds of residents are in favour - based
on 543 replies to an exhibition that people had to attend to
vote - a very small % of the total residency.
The whole thing has had no independent review - the scrutiny
are council members, reviewing a process run by Shirley
Advance, which includes the Council!!
The food store, as defined in the original development plan,
has now changed to being a superstore - selling all the items
that the local shops currently sell. So what will happen to
the small shops.
And Shirley advance say the current Shirley centre is over-run
by charity shops and estate agents and bank/building societies
- so - don't they all have a right to exist? and if so where
are they supposed to go??
Shirley
Posted Friday, April 15, 2005
I use the British Legion and I should think there are no
members from the first world war and very few left from the
second and I also agree with Nick there are a lot more shops
needed in Shirley its not just a supermarket but other shops
as well open your eyes if you want new clothes where do you go
in Shirley a charity shop that charges more for some of its
stock then normal shops stop living in the past and move on.
Andrew
Posted Monday, March 14, 2005
While it is no good clinging to the past, there is now a
recognition that supermarkets are wiping out smaller
independent shops at an alarming rate, with a consequent loss
of diversity and and retention of cash in the local economy.
Many Shirley folk would probably agree the need for some new
development in the centre of Shirley. However, what is totally
wrong for Shirley is an oversized, one stop superstore
dominated centre which would make it impossible for many
existing shops to survive, and creating a traffic filled
environment - making many residents lives a misery. Building
a smaller, more appropriate 'Heart' together with some
affordable housing would be a good compromise, and Shirley
could become a role model for the future !
Keep Shirley Alive
Posted Monday, February 28, 2005
SCMBC have created a vibrant resistance to the Shirley
Re-development. With regards to the comment that the
development will create a vibrant new centre, I cannot see how
another Supermarket in the area will create this. We need to
maintain a balance between the existing shops in the area and
encouraging new housing developments and small to medium
business units. The links with the centre of Solihull,
Birmingham and M42, put the Shirley in an ideal situation.
However SCMBC seem to bend to those whom will give the
quickest and easy "buck" type solution, which will create low
paid employment, put small shops out of business and thus
loose any community feel that the area has maintained fairly
well. If SCMBC had any real intention to create a vibrant
centre they would first listen to the people in the area and
put an end to the development in its present guise now.
Whilst all would probably agree that we need to redevelop the
Stratford Rd/Haslucks Green area, there are other developments
that could provide a solution that the actual community want.
However we should not be surprised all local and national
government always seem intent I telling us what we need and
that we will like it! Are you Tony Blair in disguise?
David McCallion
Posted Tuesday, December 7, 2004
Shirley Advance should be ultra-open with this process and
publish all of the public questions/comments with their
answers. They can put it on their web site - there is no size
restriction on what can be put on the site. SO COME ON SHIRLEY
ADVANCE - publish the full list
Local Residents
Posted Friday, December 3, 2004
So this wonderful development will bring more people into
Shirley. More people = more cars on the road.
The Stratford Rd and Haslucks Green Road, which will be the
main entrance, are already congested and many times - so the
answer is lets put more cars on the roads!!! Hurdis Road
was humped to restrict car access - this will become a main
route to the complex. Just try and get out of Hurdis Road,
turning right, onto Haslucks Green Road. As with the red
routes, the locals of Shirley will again be inconvenienced to
satisfy the needs of others.
Unhappy Resident
Posted Friday, December 3, 2004
We were told in the past that the new Town Centre
Development relied on an anchor food store.
With the new plans now being shown, the anchor store is not a
food store, but a supermarket - enabling it to have all the
types of businesses that are already supplied by local shops -
will this compliment or compete with the little shops?
If we are not careful the new development will kill off the
local shops if the supermarket becomes a one-stop shop.
And where will our new town hall be to go with our new town
centre? And why do we want all the extra traffic bringing in
extra people? - It is already a traffic nightmare on Haslucks
Green Road/Stratford Road at times. Still, we are being
consulted with - but what voice will we have? Its coming no
matter what we say.
Local Resident
Posted Thursday, October 28, 2004
It is quite clear that we residents of Shirley do NOT want
any more supermarkets OF ANY KIND here! Aldi, Safeway,
Marks/Spencer, Sainsburys. Isn't that enough choice? Come on
councillors, give us 1 good reason why we need another!! You
will also cause major traffic problems (as if we don't have
enough problems already!). Why don't you build a multi storey
car park instead and get the traffic off the Stratford Road -
where? like where that darn monstrosity of the old Powergen
building is of course! If nobody is using it, knock it down!!
David
Posted Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Shirley does need improving but why not start by building
some affordable housing for the younger people who already
live here, want to stay and need to get on the property
ladder. I think the principle of incorporating places to live
in the new development of Shirley is a good one but they
really shouldn't build any more luxury apartments which cost
the earth!
Sarah
Posted Tuesday, September 7, 2004
I have worked in Shirley for 8 years and being a local
working mum it suits me. My job at Lombard is relocating to
the city centre to make way for this so called new
development. The Powegen building has been empty for years
now so I hope that it is worth the move and it won't remain
empty buildings for years. If you are building ASDA you will
really need to consider increase in traffic and an island at
the Haslucks green traffic lights as big as the robin hood
island would be needed.
K
Posted Tuesday, August 24, 2004
The humped crossings also stay on red for far too long.
Many a time I've sat there waiting while the pedestrian,
having successfully crossed the road, disappears into a shop.
I guess we can multiply that by three now, so I will join the
no doubt increased traffic flow along Olton Road instead.
Neil
Posted Friday, August 20, 2004
I agree about the hump backed crossings. There is a
perfectly good way to stop vehicles, which these crossings use
- it's called the red light. When it's green, vehicles
brake when they go over the hump, slowing those behind as they
also brake. So the humps slow down the traffic. If these
humps are so good I will be pleased when all the councillors
in Solihull have got them at there local crossings. Again
Shirley gets the hump from the Councillors - what on earth do
the humps provide - other than pretty bricks - wasting my
council tax
Humpfree
Posted Wednesday, August 18, 2004
What is all this "Shirley Town Centre" about, Shirley is
and always has been a district of SOLIHULL, thus the "town
centre" of Shirley is SOLIHULL. To build main "high street"
stores is mad, taking away business from Mell Square/Touchwood
in the "town centre". Solihull council should stop wasting
taxpayers money on all the red lines, raised crossing, slowing
down emergency vehicles, what's the point of the red lines to
improve traffic flows then put loads of speed humps on what is
a main "A" road.
Philip
Posted Tuesday, August 10, 2004
The Council have already screwed up Shirley with their
interpretation of the Red Route scheme that has restricted
pickup points in the car parks and enforcing the same parking
restrictions in the evening as during the day. The main road
was NEVER used for parking and the red lines have made no
difference - driving through Shirley is still a nightmare even
with the ridiculous methods of trying to turn right - Stanway/Saracens
Head being a prime example of an accident waiting to happen.
So why should we trust then over the redevelopment of Shirley?
Cllr Richards has already stated that ASDA will happen and
there is to be no consultation. What confidence can we have
that the Council will not dig us further into the mire -
introduce a superstore and rape all the existing shops as
there will be no competition , just a take-over.
I understand the global picture but we the people of Shirley
have been screwed so many times by the councillors, most of
whom don't live, visit or care about Shirley. After all they
haven't put the red lines in Solihull, Berkswell, Knowle,
Dorridge etc - so why were they so wonderful for Shirley.
Levus Alone
Posted Thursday, August 5, 2004
"Move the old folks from the British Legion" ?? This is
just the sort of uninformed opinion that gets stupid ideas
like this redevelopment pushed through. The Royal British
legion, whilst it does have its share of members of the older
generation, that fought for this country in both world wars
and subsequent conflicts, even up to the current conflicts, is
an integral part of the Shirley community and is open to all
residents of Shirley who want to become members. I suspect
Nick has not taken advantage of the facilities offered by the
club, not to mention the cheaper prices.
Martin
Posted Wednesday, August 4, 2004
Of course, the Council didn't realise that putting bike
tracks next to busy pavements, which themselves are blocked by
shops advertising their wares, is yet another blunder, to
match red routes and traffic calming.
Another biker
Posted Saturday, July 31, 2004
I was riding down the cycle path when this elderly lady
shouted at me for riding down the cycle path. I was gobsmacked.....
Biker 101
Posted Monday, July 19, 2004
I feel very strongly that the "redevelopment" of Shirley
is totally unnecessary as what the residents of Shirley need
is a small town where they can pick up fruit and veg etc on a
Saturday afternoon. We DO NOT need yet ANOTHER SUPERMARKET to
attract shoppers because Shirley is used for basic shopping
(and there are already 6 supermarkets on the Stratford road in
or only a few minutes away from the town centre at the least!)
I'm sure that most people would agree it would be tedious on a
Saturday to pop into Shirley town centre for a quick shop if
it was made to be more like Solihull which is only a measly
15mins up the road! PLEASE don't ruin our lovely little town
if anything just add a few little independent shops to make
Shirley yet more handy. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DON'T DO
IT!!!!!!!! PS. if people want to go to M&S or Next GO TO
SOLIHULL!!!!!
Lyndsay Cook Aged 16
Posted Monday, July 1, 2004
I do not come from the area of Shirley but often have to
come here to work, i have also been told by local people of
these proposed plans of development. Coming from an outsider i
think it would be a shame to spoil such a quaint town. As
other people have said just where do you propose to put this
development anyway, i agree one touchwood is enough .bigger
car parking space would be beneficial to Shirley as parking is
a problem, that may be a start for attracting visitors instead
of putting up fancy buildings when the money could be used to
regenerate more deprived area's of the city !!!
Faye, Devon
Posted Monday, June 28, 2004
So now we have the first part of the revised road parking
in Shirley ( Diagonal )on Saracens Head/Bank of Ireland
stretch. And with it a cycle lane. The cycle lane which is
parallel to the pavement, which has now been reduced - and
guess what, people walk on the cycle route and shout at the
cyclists. I know - I was there!! Also there is no/little kerb
between road and pavement. Very safe!! Cars can easily mount
the cycle track/pavement. But at least they have linked
the cycle track on the pedestrian area opposite the Saracens
head ( Stanway to Boots stretch - the shortest cycle track in
the borough?) to this new track - all you have to do is cross
the busy main road at the dangerous Stanway Road junction -
hope they put the pretty red tarmac down to identify it!
All in the name of development.
ps What happened to the pretty planters to which I contributed
as a local taxpayer? ( I know they are adorning the old TA
centre, really useful!!)
Unhappy Shirley Resident
Posted Monday, June 21, 2004
I reckon Nick said it all here; Shirley is one long High
Street, with more pedestrian crossings than you can shake a
stick at and no focal point to it. This was the whole point of
the exercise, to provide a central area where all needs can be
met for those who live in the northern part of the village.
Those in the Southern end already have Sainsbury's quite close
to them, but an ASDA store would give them a choice too.
The harbingers of doom and the potty prophets should really
take a hard look around them before making such an almighty
fuss.
Johnny Bee
Posted Monday, June 21, 2004
The people of Shirley voiced there opposition to ASDA in
their vote if it goes ahead I hope those same voters remember
which political power granted planning permission in the next
election
AGAINST ASDA
Posted Monday, June 21, 2004
As a shop-keeper in Shirley I worry about yet another
supermarket (ASDA) it will only cause more shops to close and
turn parts of Shirley high street into a ghost-town and a
break up of the community spirit.
Stephen Eacock
Posted Saturday, June 12, 2004
For Shirley to re-invent itself as a "village", I would
welcome the proposed redevelopment with open arms, however, i
would want/wish for the "community" spirit to be injected! a
good start would be to appeal to the younger generation, i.e.
first time buyers, demolish the Powegen building and for the
council to assist with incentives to entice that much needed
spark!!!
David Wilson
Posted Tuesday, May 11, 2004
No sale of parkland! Quality of life is what is
important!
As for the "heart" of Shirley... Shirley's heart does not lie
in its shops as some people think but in its people. A
superstore of Asda's size would ruin the small businesses of
Shirley and see a loss of a substantial part of Shirley's
community spirit. Let's concentrate on keeping Shirley's
heart in the community and not allow Asda's gain be at the
community's expense.
Chris, c/o Green Party
Posted Sunday, May 9, 2004
I am totally opposed to the plans fro the redevelopment
particularly as this will impinge on the only green space in
Shirley, the Park. Once it has gone or been eaten into it will
only be a matter of time before Solihull Council gets greedy
again and turns it over to housing development.
Lisa
Posted Saturday, April 24, 2004
I think Shirley could benefit from having a larger car
park attached to the park in Shirley. Two years ago there was
no problem parking in Shirley until Marks and Spencers arrived
on the main Stratford Road, but now the parking in Shirley is
totally inadequate for how it has developed. Having to drive
from St James Church to the far end of the shops to turn off
the side road nearly at Haslucks Green Road is no joke
especially at busy times. Whose bright idea was it to stop
the right hand turn by Marks and Spencers surely traffic
lights would have been better at Stanway Road. We certainly
need an affordable food store at the Haslucks Green end of
Shirley instead of having to go over the traffic lights down
to Tescos. Marks and Spencers is far too expensive for the
average shopper with a family in Shirley, consider the prices
with places like Aldi and Farmfoods. As for the ridiculous
continual red line in Bills Lane where the
road has been specially indented for the entrance to St James
Church for Weddings Funerals and Baptisms, does the Council
ever get off its backside to go and look at its BLUNDERS.
Joan
Posted Saturday, April 24, 2004
I think this development is inevitable and the whole are
between the park and Haslucks Green Road would be an ideal
area for it. The loss of 9 or 10 houses on Haslucks Green Road
would be a small price to pay so I say bulldoze the lot and
let's have ASDA. While they're at it, please, please, please
demolish that monstrosity of a building that was once Powegen.
Build some nice affordable but stylish apartments so that
youngsters starting out can afford to live in Solihull and not
have to move out to places like Acocks Green and even
Tamworth.
Shirley Shopper
Posted Thursday, April 22, 2004
Why Shirley TOWN ? Most of my friends and acquaintances
consider that Shirley is a VILLAGE and would prefer it to stay
that way. Too many High Street Names would make it totally
boring, one Touchwood is enough!!!
Graham
Posted Friday, April 16, 2004
Hopefully we're to get some decent clothes shops. Maybe
M&S will build on the foundation of the food store and give us
a clothing store too.
Cath
Posted Friday, April 16, 2004
They are having a new ASDA and a new shopping centre where
the British Legion is. I think it's the best thing to happen
to Shirley in years. More shops will bring in more visitors
and more prosperity to the area. Moving the old folks at the
Legion down the road a bit is a small price to pay for a
modernisation and revitalisation of Shirley. Plus it will be
more of a community area with a proper centre to it rather
than the long spread out shopping area we currently have.
Nick
Posted Thursday, April 15, 2004
I keep reading about the proposed development but exactly
whereabouts in Shirley is this to take place?
Lorraine
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