Part of Birmingham City stadium site proposed for nature conservation status | OneFootball

Part of Birmingham City’s 48-acre Wheels Park, earmarked for The Powerhouse stadium, is proposed for local nature conservation status. The western edge of the east Birmingham site would be covered.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, Birmingham City Council plans to create new conservation areas and extend existing ones across the city as part of a wider nature network.

Surveys in 2021 identified unimproved neutral grassland over former railway ballast, supporting notable orchids. Nearby semi-natural woodland, scrub and transport corridors underpinned a recommendation for a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation.

The stadium sits within a planned Sports Quarter with new transport links, a training centre, a women’s stadium, an arena and mixed-use housing. The draft Birmingham Local Plan puts Wheels Park at the heart of the Bordesley Park Growth Zone.

Regeneration would be anchored by a new Birmingham City stadium and international leisure and entertainment attractions. High-quality architecture, design and landscaping are stated aims.

A core principle is to support the proposed SLINC on the western edge, with mitigation and measures to enhance green and blue infrastructure and biodiversity.

The council, run by a minority coalition including the Lib Dems and Greens, will consider a report recommending 14 new conservation sites and extensions to six others. Not making the designations or boundary changes would raise the risk of challenges to future planning decisions.

The nature network is intended to offer local protection not covered by national or international designations.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com