PJA was originally commissioned by H2 Land to prepare a Transport Statement and site access design in support of a proposed cemetery on this site, located off New Inns Lane in the Rubery area of Birmingham.

The crematorium application was successful and work commenced on the site.

H2 Land subsequently submitted a new planning application for a Crematorium on the site, in lieu of the extant cemetery consent.

The new application was refused, including a highway safety reason for refusal, despite the application receiving no objection from Worcestershire County Council and Birmingham City Council.

H2 Land appealed the decision and Nigel Millington, PJA Joint Managing Director, acted as an expert witness giving evidence on the capacity of the local highway network, the impact of slow moving hearses on highway safety, the implications for locally-based emergency vehicles and potential conflicts with local school traffic.

The Inspector concurred with Nigel’s evidence and the Appeal was allowed, with costs awarded to the Appellant in relation to highways matters.