Locals in leafy West Midlands village furious over new signs for Meriden roundabout
Solihull villagers are up in arms at plans for advertising boards to go up on a roundabout arguing it would distract motorists and be harmful to the village.
Solihull Council planners are to make a ruling on the proposal for a Meriden roundabout at a meeting next week after a number of objections from locals were submitted.
Applicant Steve Green of CP Media originally submitted the plan in September for four advertising boards on the roundabout which connects Hampton Lane, Main Road, Birmingham Road and Fillongley Road.
The signs are proposed to be 1.2 metres by 50cm on aluminium posts positioned on the roundabout which would be in place until 2030, if permission is granted.
In the application form the applicant says: “This is part of the existing Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council roundabout sponsorship.
“Each sign will be installed facing an entrance to the roundabout and not conflict with any existing highway street furniture.”
During a consultation held in the summer 22 residents submitted objections including from Meriden Parish Council.
The objections included:
- Harmful to heritage assets
- Unnecessary
- Harmful to the character and appearance of the area
- Would set a precedent
- Residents have no say over what was advertised
- Harmful to highway safety
- There are more suitable roundabouts elsewhere
Ahead of the planning committee meeting a report for councillors has been written in which officers stress that advertisement applications can only be assessed against the “impact upon public safety and amenity”.
Officers say: “The application site consists of a large grassed and landscaped highway roundabout located close to Meriden village centre.
“The roundabout is not located within Meriden conservation area, but it is in close proximity to it (The Green) as well as to several heritage assets.
“The proposed adverts will have a negligible impact and the proposal would not be harmful to the site.
“The views of highway engineers have been sought and they have confirmed that they have no objections to the proposal on highway safety grounds.
“The proposed advertisements will therefore not be harmful to public or highway safety.”
Officers recommend permission is granted, subject to conditions.
The application can be viewed on the authority’s website by searching for application PL/2025/00999/ADV at https://publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk/online-applications.
The planning committee meeting, which is open to the public, is being held at the Civic Suite from 6pm on Wednesday, November 12.
The meeting will also be available to watch live on the council’s website solihull.gov.uk.