Walsall Council BLOCK war memorial plan over noise concern

The Rotary Club submitted an application to install a ‘human sundial’ at the edge of The Croft play area off Little Aston Road in Aldridge, Walsall.

The proposal featured a half crest displaying clock numbers, a 6ft-tall peace post printed with words of remembrance, Rotary inscribed granite tablets and poppy displays.

But Walsall Council’s planning committee refused the bid, against the recommendations of its own officers, due to concerns over the fact the location was close to the children’s recreational area.

However, members of the committee expressed a desire to see the memorial installed elsewhere in the village.

Councillor Angela Underhill, deputy chairman, said: “There were concerns from residents and some councillors that it was right by a children’s play area and it was the wrong place for it.

“Something in remembrance to people you want in a peaceful place and right next to a large playing area is not ideal.

“It was a very emotive one and the feelings were very mixed.

“What we have suggested is that they look at somewhere else in Aldridge to do it.

“We didn’t like refusing it really but children are children, and this is on the floor – kids are going to run across it. It should get the respect it deserves.”

Rotary Club members said they had worked with various local authority departments to develop the final proposal.

And they also argued that it would help with the town’s Heart of England in Bloom and England in Bloom bids.

The application document said: “The project, whilst proposed by the Rotary Club of Aldridge is a collaborative venture, as a result of working a in partnership with Walsall Council Regeneration and Environmental Services.

“The Rotary Club has worked closely with Walsall Council Clean and Green and Regeneration Officers, who approve of the project and the scheme installation is intended to be organised by WMBC, using funding from the grant.

“The memorial sundial, is designed in a manner that a person standing makes the shadow for the time.

“It is inspired by the Analemmatic Human Sundial, which is located at the National Memorial Arboretum.

“It will encompass reminders of the significant anniversaries associated with the major conflicts that have been experienced over the years and a lasting, but poignant reminder that, whilst time passes, for many it has stood still.

“The project is unique, providing educational, public cultural interest, remembrance significance features, which will be accessible to the public.

“The sundial will provide an attractive ornamental addition to The Croft, without impacting upon the areas of general use and the important meadow, parkland features of The Croft.

“The sundial will also contribute to Heart of England in Bloom and Britain in Bloom award challenge, where Aldridge is proud to have achieved high standards in previous years.”

The committee’s formal reason for refusal was that the scheme was contrary to a number of planning policies, adding: “The location of the development in The Croft, which is within the Aldridge Conservation Area, next to a children’s play area and next to the designated Town and Village Green is considered inappropriate for the type of development proposed.”

The Rotary Club was unavailable for comment.