We Asked, You Said, We Did

Between 22 January 2024 and 1 March 2024, feedback was sought on how individuals, businesses and organisations wanted to see routes improved to help increase walking, wheeling and cycling across the area. The consultation received 251 responses to the online survey and a number of in-person sessions were held across the area. Further information was circulated informing residents and businesses/organisations about the consultation, such as:

• Printed leaflets
• Paper copies of the questionnaire
• Existing stakeholder/community contacts and networks 

Feedback was received for all of the proposed corridors (see Scheme Map below). Corridor A was scored as the highest priority although feedback was received for all options in relation to existing levels of traffic, parking, road safety and crossing points. Some positive feedback was received but further details were requested on specific details around the design of proposals.  Other factors affecting respondents’ attitudes towards active travel revolved around the condition of the local area including pollution, crime, parked vehicles and a lack of green space. Existing congestion, parking and road safety issues were also raised alongside issues with crossing roads, accessibility and a lack of confidence/education for walkers/cyclists. In general, there was clear support for: 

• Improving the surroundings and quality of the streetscape
• Improving road safety within the study area
• Improving footways, crossing points and footpaths

Concern was raised about the impacts of the proposals on car drivers and parking with concerns raised over the lack of available parking, poor alternative public transport and the prevalence of the car as the preferred mode of travel. Several respondents questioned the usefulness of the proposals with regard to existing provision such as that on Bolton Road.  

Over the coming months, we will take the findings of the consultation into consideration, directly influencing the vision of the scheme and design of the shortlisted packages.  We will also work closely with the Councillors for the Bordesley Green ward and the Cabinet Member for Transport, to facilitate further discussions with residents and other stakeholders when deciding which scheme designs to take forward to the next stage of development.  There is a need for further engagement with residents, businesses, and other groups to refine these proposals.  

Your views on the Creating an Active Birmingham Strategy 2024-2034

1. The Strategy should be clearer with accessible and simple English.
2. Inclusivity and accessibility were important to you. You said that strategy should consider the diverse needs of residents of Birmingham, ensuring accessibility for all ages and abilities with a key focus on disadvantaged groups who are the least active in Birmingham. Some of those groups are those living in disadvantaged areas, older adults, individuals with disabilities (learning, sensory and physical) and South Asians, especially women.
3. You expressed concerns about practical access to physical activity, including timing and location. Working-age individuals feel disadvantaged due to conflicting activity hours, and poor public transport limits accessibility.
4. Being physical active should be affordable. You suggested making physical activities more financially accessible.
5. It is important to have adequate infrastructure, including safer roads, cycle paths, green spaces, and overall city safety. You emphasised the need for safe and well-maintained leisure centres and indoor spaces.
6. It is key to have a holistic, whole-system approach to ensure Birmingham becomes an active city. Collaboration with partners is crucial, but you emphasised involving and empowering grassroot and community-led organisations, leveraging existing relationships to bridge the inactivity gap.
7. You have concerns about the Council's ability to deliver the ambitious strategy due to financial challenges. You worry whether the Council will have the necessary resources to support and implement the Creating an Active Birmingham Strategy.
8. You mentioned you want to be involved in designing services for you.

1. We have reviewed the strategy and ensured the language used is accessible. We have gone beyond and reviewed our use of language across our physical activity work. We have recently changed the name of our physical activity forum from ‘Creating an Active City Forum’ to just ‘Active City Forum.’ This way it is streamlined and clear. We intend to use clear and accessible English in all aspects of our work. We have clarified our targets to make it easier to measure the impact of the strategy.
2. This is an important point which also came through when we spoke to organisations who work with the most deprived communities. We, therefore, from the beginning of the strategy, changed the way we talked about opportunities and reinforced that we intend on ensuring opportunities are equitable and accessible and takes cultural needs into consideration. We changed our language to explicitly mention that we will use data and evidence to identify areas of needs where we will focus.
3. As part of our Wellbeing Service in making physical activity accessible and affordable, we will continue to improve our BeActive offer based on evidence available.
4. Recognising affordability as a barrier to being physically active, we ensured our Vision and Priorities considered this. Our focus is to make being physically active an easy choice. Hence why, we will continue to review and evaluate our programme and services to ensure they are relevant, equitable, accessible and affordable.
5. This has come out really clear in the consultation. Therefore, for ‘Active  Environments’ priority, we have highlighted our existing action of working to ensure there are local, safe, affordable and attractive spaces to be physically active in.
6. We have revised how we will deliver our ‘Active Systems’ priority by making it clear that the partners we intend to engage are not just traditional partners we have worked with. We will work with grassroot and community-led organisations. We have already started this through the Seldom Heard Voices project, and we are ensuring that the Active City Forum has those representations.
7. The Creating an Active Birmingham strategy is a co-produced strategy and is owned by the city rather than just the Council. We will harness existing relationships to ensure the strategy is delivered.
8. We created a Citizens Panel with 127 members from the community who we will consult regularly to obtain views and suggestions when designing programmes of work.

During October and November 2023, we asked for your views on the proposals to reduce the speed limit on Birmingham’s roads that have an existing speed limit of 40 miles per hour (mph) to a new lowered speed limit of 30 mph.
There were 25 roads across Birmingham that were proposed to have a reduced speed limit. 
 

During the consultation a total of 1,674 responses were received:

Support 30 mph speed limit - 635 (37.93%)

Neutral (support & oppose) - 90 (5.38%)

Oppose 30 mph speed limit - 949 (56.69%)

Of the 1,674 responses to the consultation, 1,323 provided further comments. These comments were reviewed and categorised into the main concerns/interested area(s) of their response. Details of these can be found in the full document attached at the bottom of this page.

The results of the consultation were shared with the Cabinet Member for Transport together with a technical review assessment on all of the listed roads. Although noting that over 55% of the responses did not support the scheme, a significant percentage of those (approximately 25%) were not necessarily against the scheme proposals but were concerned with there being inadequate levels of enforcement, and as a result, the scheme would not deliver its objectives.

Following this review, the Cabinet Member for Transport has decided to proceed with the scheme proposals for all roads, taking this forward to formal consultation.
 

The scheme is aligned to the core principles of the Birmingham Transport Plan -reducing the speed, volume and dominance of vehicular traffic.

A new Birmingham Road Harm Reduction Strategy is in development that aligns to these principles and will set out the Council’s commitment to a Vision Zero approach to road safety. This aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, whilst increasing safe, healthy and equitable mobility for all.

Following feedback from the consultation, some of the extents of existing 40 mph have been reviewed and will be amended accordingly. 

One road (Walmley Ash Lane / Cottage Lane, Sutton Coldfield) was removed as it did not meet the scheme’s criteria as its existing speed limit was not 40 mph.

Next Steps

The overall scheme requires approval through the Council’s governance process and a Full Business Case (FBC) report is being prepared to gain formal scheme approval.

There will be a formal consultation advertising the Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) currently planned for Spring 2024. This consultation is required to legally introduce the new speed limits.

We will advertise the scheme through local public notices and information boards to advise people of the proposed changes and where they can submit their comments.

We will also run a public awareness campaign when the speed limit changes are being made.

Further information
If you would like any further information, email the Transport Planning Team at connected@birmingham.gov.uk.

See 'Results' page for details.

See 'Results' page for details.

See 'Results' page for details.

Birmingham City Council asked for your comments on the proposal to alter the age range from 4-11 to 4-16 years. Increase the pupil numbers from 108 to 287 with effect from September 2025.

A total of 61 responses had been received, 53 in favour, 3 opposed, 4 neither/don’t know and 1 not indicated. 6 of the responses were from Pupils at the School, 39 from Parents/ Carers of pupils at the school, 2 from Governors at the school, 2 from staff at the school, and 9 from local residents

We analysised the consultation results and provided the decision maker with a copy of the summary and all comments received for their consideration (Personal or identifying information is removed from responses before sharing with the decision maker).

The decision maker approved the proposal for implementation. Please see decision letter attached to this webpage. A full copy of the decision report can be found via a link at the bottom of this webpage.

On 19th December 2023 Birmingham City Council determined to implement the proposal as approved. The proposal will be implemented September 2025. A link to the decision report can be found at the bottom of this webpage (this includes a summary of the consultation results).

See 'Results' page for details.

See 'Results' page for details.

See 'Results' page for details.

If you support the proposed new path on this site

Majority of the responders supported the proposed scheme. We also adressed the isssue of access and protection of existing vegetation

We delivered the scheme and site opened to public in May 2024.

The Council ran a public consultation from 25 May to 20 August 2023, seeking comments on the ‘Our Future City: Draft Central Birmingham Framework 2040’.

The Our Future City: Draft Central Birmingham Framework 2040 sets an ambitious and strategic vision for Central Birmingham to 2040 to create a fair, inclusive, and green place that benefits all Birmingham’s communities. The Framework is a new 20-year vision for the development and transformation of Central Birmingham to meet the economic, social, and environmental challenges of the next twenty years.

There were over 240 individuals who responded to the consultation questionnaire on BeHeard.

The consultation on the draft Framework has now closed. The Council is currently reviewing the comments received and will amend the final framework where appropriate. A consultation report will be produced which will describe the level and type of responses received, the main issues raised and how they have influenced the final version of the framework. The final framework will be presented to the Council's Cabinet to be approved in 2024.

Between 3 June and 2 July 2023, we ran a consultation on a proposed layout option for this area. The consultation received over 1,200 responses to the online survey, around a further 100 emails, and included two very well attended drop-in sessions.

There was a mixed response to the various proposals consulted on. There was support for the aims and principles of the project, with 46% of respondents expressing positive sentiments towards this compared to 43% expressing negative sentiments.

Concerns were particularly highlighted in relation to:

• the proposed introduction of modal filters on Willow Road and Elm Road
• proposals to make some roads one-way, especially Beaumont Road and Hole Lane
• a proposed segregated cycle track on Heath Road

It is clear that there is a need for further engagement with residents, businesses, and other groups to refine these proposals or develop alternative options. This would be arranged on a localised basis, bringing people together to consider measures for a certain group of streets, while still developing a holistic scheme that delivers benefits across the whole area.

Over the coming months, we will work closely with the Councillors for Bournville & Cotteridge ward, Cllr Liz Clements and Cllr Fred Grindrod, to facilitate further meetings and discussions with residents and other stakeholders to develop ideas for a revised scheme.

N/A - See 'Results' page for details.

N/A - See 'Results' page for details.

N/A - See 'Results' page for details.

To seek the determination of a statutory proposal by Birmingham City Council 
(LA) of Kings Heath Boys (the School) to:

• Change the provision from a single sex (boys) school to a co-educational school from September 2024.

A total of 80 responses were received - 65 in favour, 16 opposed, 1 neither/don’t know
The responses were from - 2 pupils at the school, 10 parents/ carer of pupils at the school, 1 governor at the school, 3 members of staff, 50 local residents, 1 Birmingham city Councillor, 1 Member of Parliament and 14 others.

We analysised the consultation results and provided the decision maker with a copy of the summary and all comments received for their consideration (Personal or identifying information is removed from responses before sharing with the decision maker).

The decision maker approved the proposal for implementation. Please see decision letter attached to this webpage. A full copy of the decision report can be found via a link at the bottom of this webpage.

On 3rd July 2023 the Council determined to implement the proposal as approved. The proposal will be implemented September 2024. A link to the decision report can be found at the bottom of this webpage (this includes a summary of the consultation results).

To seek the determination of a statutory proposal by Birmingham City Council 
(LA) of Gilbertstone Primary School (the School) to:

• alter the lower age limit from 3 years to become 4 years, resulting in removal of nursery provision with effect from 1^st September 2023

A total of 46 responses were received - 4 in favour, 41 opposed, 1 neither/don’t know
The responses were from - 1 pupils at the school, 36 parents/ carer of pupils at the school, 1 local residents and 4 others.

We analysised the consultation results and provided the decision maker with a copy of the summary and all comments received for their consideration (Personal or identifying information is removed from responses before sharing with the decision maker).

The decision maker approved the proposal for implementation. Please see decision letter attached to this webpage. A full copy of the decision report can be found via a link at the bottom of this webpage.

On 12th July 2023 the Council determined to implement the proposal as approved. The proposal will be implemented September 2023. A link to the decision report can be found at the bottom of this webpage (this includes a summary of the consultation results).

See results page for details.

See results page for details.

See results page for details.

Between 24 February and 24 March 2023, we ran a consultation on proposed interventions along the A45 and A34. The proposed interventions on the A34 were for junction improvements at Trinity Road and New Town Row. On the A45 we consulted on proposals to extend the bus lanes installed in Phase 1, between Bordesley Circus and Swan Island, and to install new bus lanes. There were also two proposed bus stop moves: on the A34 at Old Walsall Road southbound, and on the A45 at the Wheatsheaf southbound.

We received 64 responses to the online survey. We also spoke with local residents at the 4 public consultation drop-in events that were held at various venues along the A45 and A34. We received a mix of responses.

For the A45 proposals, 45% of respondents expressed negative sentiments, 24% expressed positive sentiments, and 29% were neutral.

For the A34 proposals, 31% of respondents expressed negative sentiments, 13% expressed positive sentiments, and 54% were neutral.

The main areas of concern raised from the consultation were around:

• Increased congestion due to the reduction in lanes for general traffic
• The proposed move of the Walsall Road southbound stop
• Pedestrian safety
• Rat runs created on side roads

We are now in the process of reviewing consultation feedback, whilst continuing with the planning for Birmingham Sprint phase 2 and the upcoming city centre consultation.

Please see results section for details.

See results section.

See results section.

See results page for details.

See results page for details.

See results page for details.

How will the legacy from the Commonwealth Games improve access to physical activity opportunities (both participating and spectating) for our disabled citizens and communities?

You provided different ways in which access to different types of physical opportunities could be improved.

We included these within our recommendations in the report to City Council, and these were agreed on 18 April 2023.  The report is available at https://bit.ly/3ImUSlB.

Birmingham City Council asked for your comments on the proposal to Amalgamate two schools (by discontinuance and enlargement) at St Edmund’s & St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School from September 2023.

A total of 4 responses were received, 1 in favour and 3 opposed. The responses were from 4 Parent/Carer of pupil at the School.

We analysised the consultation results and provided the decision maker with a copy of the summary and all comments received for their consideration (Personal or identifying information is removed from responses before sharing with the decision maker).

The decision maker approved the proposal for implementation. Please see decision letter attached to this webpage. A full copy of the decision report can be found via a link at the bottom of this webpage.

On 2nd February 2023 the Council determined to implement the proposal as approved. The proposal will be implemented September 2023. A link to the decision report can be found at the bottom of this webpage (this includes a summary of the consultation results).

1. We asked if park visitors, nearby residents and stakeholders were in support of the proposed parking charges at Sheldon Country Park.

2. We asked residents, park visitors and stakeholders for their investment suggestions for Sheldon Country Park.

1. The majority (83 of 124) respondents to the informal consultation were not in favour of the proposed parking charges (66.9% against).
2. A number of investment suggestions were received ranging from improvements to pathways and health and safety improvements, to building/asset investment and improvements to facilities.

1. The decision has been made to discontinue the proposed parking charges programme in parks in light of the feedback received and the fact that the state of the market/economy has changed since the proposal was first introduced in 2017. Hence the proposed parking charges at Sheldon Country Park are no longer proceeding.

2. The investment suggestions received have been presented to the Cabinet Member for Environment. However, without the funding coming from the now halted car parking income it will be a challenge to raise the funding required for these suggestions but recognising the huge value that parks provide a project has been set up to explore alternative funding sources.

1. We asked if park visitors, nearby residents and stakeholders were in support of the proposed parking charges at Woodgate Valley Country Park.

2. We asked residents, park visitors and stakeholders for their investment suggestions for Woodgate Valley Country Park.

1. The majority (287 of 407) respondents to the informal consultation were not in favour of the proposed parking charges (70.5% against).

2. A number of investment suggestions were received ranging from improvements to pathways and health and safety improvements, to building/asset investment and improvements to facilities.

1. The decision has been made to discontinue the proposed parking charges programme in parks in light of the feedback received and the fact that the state of the market/economy has changed since the proposal was first introduced in 2017. Hence the proposed parking charges at Woodgate Valley Country Park are no longer proceeding.

2. The investment suggestions received have been presented to the Cabinet Member for Environment. However, without the funding coming from the now halted car parking income it will be a challenge to raise the funding required for these suggestions but recognising the huge value that parks provide a project has been set up to explore alternative funding sources.