Living History

Whether you are new to Moor Pool or have been here a while, you will no doubt be proud of the living heritage around you and enjoy being part of our vibrant community. We all want to conserve and enhance its special qualities for the benefit of all in the future so for everyone wishing to make alterations to properties, we have created this handy guide to help you navigate the rules set out in the larger and more detailed Character Appraisal. Making informed choices which are sympathetic to and in the spirit of Moor Pool’s history will ensure your planning application process is as effortless and stress free as possible.

Our Role

Moor Pool Residents Association is a group of volunteers living on the estate who are voted onto the committee by other residents at an AGM every January, with our aim to help you protect the character of the estate and nurture community connections. We do not manage or approve planning applications but instead provide you and your contractors with a helping hand, signposting in the initial stages of your alteration work to maintain the estate to a high standard for everyone to enjoy. All planning applications must be sent to Birmingham City Council Planning & Regeneration for approval before any work commences. The Moor Pool Residents Association will not be liable for any difficulties arising out of an alteration decision taken by reference only to the Guide.

Public Amenities & Open Spaces

The Conservation Area comprises 492 privately owned and rented residential homes following 6 different housing designs, garage plots, a bowling green, allotments and the Moor Pool itself. There are also 4 commercial properties, the Moor Pool Hall, Estates Office, snooker club, tennis courts, plus flats at the Circle and Ravenhurst Road which are Grade II listed. The new developments at Winterbourne Lane and Kenrick Close also fall within the 55 acres of conservation land.

Ownership Map

All highways infrastructure including roads, kerbstones, pavements, verges, trees, and street furniture such as public bins, signage, lighting and some benches are local authority adopted with their upkeep maintained by Birmingham City Council. The Moor Pool Residents Association is always working towards a specification to protect our heritage assets when contractors are working on highways within Conservation Areas. Passageways leading to open spaces such as allotments or other amenities are owned by Moor Pool Heritage Trust. Paths leading to the backs of houses are generally owned and maintained by Grainger Plc but this is likely to change.

Renewables

The Moor Pool Heritage Trust and the Moor Pool Residents Association are always looking at ways to improve energy efficiency including insulation, renewable energy measures, solar thermal/photovoltaic systems, ground/air source heat pumps and electric charging points. Please contact the Moor Pool Residents Association for advice before making any alterations.

Miscellaneous

To maintain the character of the estate, please ensure wheelie bins and refuse boxes are stored within home boundaries and not on public footpaths or open spaces. Fitting security or safety equipment such as house alarms, doorbell cameras, spotlight sensors, disability rails and key-safes is permitted but please seek Council Planning advice before adding cctv systems, driveway bollards, mobility ramps, satellite dishes, aerials or antenna including placement of associated wiring across brickwork.

Those interested in reinstating the original Edwardian wrought iron letterboxes can find similar units at Black Country Metal Works Ltd . See the letter plate section - traditional black iron plates.