Save historic green space in Meriden

Meriden Hall and it's landscaped grounds is a historic Grade 2* listed site, English Heritage have no objection to Pertemps erecting a new glass building which is bigger than Meriden Hall itself, removing trees and wildlife habitat - destroying a historic green space which will be gone forever for future generations. This seems particularly poignant following the centenary year of WW1 as it was the home of Captain Edward Bankes who lived at Meriden Hall with tributes to him shaping the history of the village (there's a link to his story further down the page). This development won't create any new jobs, so there's no benefit for the greater good, and there is a huge amount of empty office space across the Midlands. Green belt should only be built on in 'exceptional circumstances', and English Heritage are wrong, this building shouldn't even be a consideration.

Sign the petition and if you've got more to say, you can also object to: [email protected] quoting application 2014/2232

More info and pictures of the proposal at: http://ww2.solihull.gov.uk/planning_new/dc/ViewApp.asp - then enter the year: 2014; Application no: 2232

An artist's impression can be viewed here - this has been rendered to only show the narrowest end of the building, and play down the actual scale (it is bigger than Meriden Hall itself) to make the development look more 'sympathetic'

http://ww2.solihull.gov.uk/PlanAppDocs/2014/2232/2232_design_and_access_statement.pdf

The closing date on the application doesn't give enough time for the committee to view objections properly, so please sign or object by the end of January.

The story of Captain Edward Bankes and the tributes to him in Meriden http://www.midlandsgenealogy.com/5.html