Watch: Campaigners celebrate Hall Green Stadium planning victory
The battle against plans to demolish Hall Green Stadium has suffered a major setback after it emerged the council could lose a legal appeal if it refused.
Council planning officials have found that the case against plans to demolish the greyhound racing stadium is flimsy and could be overturned on a legal appeal to the Government planning inspector.
Developer Euro Property Investments, which bought the stadium for £3 million in 2014, wants to tear it down and build 210 houses on the site.
Last month opponents of the demolition, backed by Hall Green MP Roger Godsiff, appeared to be on the brink of victory after planning committee members voted nine to two against approving the redevelopment.
But now in a follow up report ahead of the next committee meeting on July 21, several claims by objectors over jobs and the economic value of the facility have been challenged and dismissed.
They had claimed that about 200 jobs depended on the stadium but the report, based on evidence from Greyhound Racing Association’s public accounts, says the number of full-time jobs is about 18 to 40 and this rises to about 100 with part-time roles, such as stewards and catering staff, on race nights.
While recognising there may be further kennel and bookmaking jobs linked, it says the case for loss of employment is "not substantial".
And independent analysts have concluded the 15 per cent affordable housing offer, below the standard 35 per cent demand, is reasonable.
The report says: "Officers respectfully advise that a reason for refusal would be a difficult area to defend at appeal and should not be advanced."
Finally, on community value, the report repeats the claim that Perry Barr Stadium provides a suitable alternative venue and has ample capacity for displaced Hall Green spectators.
Among those backing the closure of the greyhound track are animal rights group PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) which raised a petition of 7,000 signatures.
But supporters of the stadium attended the last meeting and cheered when councillors voted down the plan.
Objector and former track manager Stephen Rea previously said: "Demolition would mean the end of a successful and effective business which has served Birmingham well."
