Julian Knight MP is very pleased at the support for the redevelopment of the derelict PowerGen building offered by Brandon Lewis, the Minister for Housing and Planning, in Parliament on Monday.
During a questions session, Julian asked the Minister to join him in welcoming “the tearing down of the PowerGen building in Solihull—an eyesore that has blighted the lives of my constituents for a generation.”
In response to a question from Julian in the House of Commons, Lewis described the proposed development as “a really good example of a local authority making good use of brownfield land to provide the housing that its local community needs.”
He went on to congratulate Julian for “thinking locally and properly in that way”.
The demolition of the PowerGen building clears the way for hundreds of new homes, including 260 assisted living apartments. Julian is strongly supportive, along with local campaigner David Price, has fought off an attempt by outside interests and Howard Allen, a Green councillor, to have it listed.
Commenting on the bid, Julian said:
“This development is such good news for Solihull. Not only will we soon be rid of a ruin which detracts from our local landscape after two decades of inaction, but it will be replaced by much needed homes, including some which specially cater to those in need of assistance.
“These are vital to Shirley and the redevelopment of Stratford Road. I’m very pleased to have been able to do my bit to help, and residents should expect nothing less from a hard-working community MP.”