An investigation has been launched by Birmingham City Council after it was revealed that the demolition of the iconic Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium allegedly proceeded without the proper planning permissions in place.
The A34 Walsall Road site is slated for redevelopment, which will ultimately feature more than 400 new homes. However, Perry Barr councillor Jon Hunt says that regulatory formalities had not been completed and approved by the council before the heavy machinery moved in.
Local news reports do not specifically name the demolition contractor responsible. However, photos sow the presence of at least one excavator from City Demolition.
The core issue centres on a mandatory planning document. The council confirmed: “To confirm, no application for a ‘Prior Notification of Proposed Development’ was received by Birmingham City Council for the demolition of the Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium”.
This ‘Prior Notification’ is essential for such a development. While the developers did receive some paperwork approval, the council emphasised this was strictly for health and safety measures, not demolition approval itself.
The authority stated that a Section 80 notice under the Building Act 1984 was indeed received by Building Control and granted under Section 81 of the Act. Crucially, these approvals are statutory requirements related to health and safety but are not approval to demolish.
The council’s legal and property teams are currently looking into the situation, including reviewing the existing lease agreement.
More details here.
