Local councillors have come out against the planned development of residential accommodation on part of the Cadbury factory site, describing it as a “slippery slope” which could lead to further parts of the factory being developed into flats and houses.

A former 1960s office block facing Bournville Lane has been empty for three years after being occupied by Premier Foods, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cadbury. The block is inside the Bournville Conservation area but not within the boundary of the Bournville Estate. The developers claim that despite the block being marketed as office space there has been no demand.

However, Cllr Nigel Dawkins said: “We reject this argument. What the block needs is investment in it to bring it up to modern office standards. That’s why they can’t find any interest. It is a 1960′s office block that has had little modernisation on it.

He continued: “What the developers are trying to do is to make a quick killing at the expense of Bournville. If it is allowed to be converted into living accommodation then they will make a huge amount of money far more than if it remained as an office block.”

The development will see the block converted into 79 flats, mostly consisting of two bedrooms, with four new houses facing Mary Vale road. The developers say that the refurbished building and new construction will “reflect the local architectural vocabulary in size and articulation.”

Cllr Dawkins said:

“Bournville is still reeling from the sale of Cadbury to Kraft. What we don’t want is to see parts of the site falling into the hands of profiteering developers ready to make yet another quick buck.”

Residents have until 12th May to comment on the proposals.

Design and Access Statement (PDF).
Planning Application details (2011/01823/PA)