Knowle Green Community Project

What a silly response - “Luckily typhoons are not experienced locally and not even the wind and weather can come for all directions at the same time” to a sensible comment. The proposed design offers absolutely no wind protection whatever. This is a triumph of design over function, taking no account of the needs of mainly elderly folk waiting for up to 30 minutes. Surely we can do much better than this?

In response to J Webb's comments I would point out that after initial responses being made to the original plan time was taken in evaluating all the suggestions, and those of the Conservation Area Consultative Committee at Solihull M B C. After further checks by the Architect it was apparent that the existing building, closed toilet block, would not be suitable for partial demolition as originally intended.
The result is the new design, which is considerable better in the Conservation Area and more in keeping with the adjacent properties in the immediate vicinity.
The open aspect of 360 degrees helps to limit any chance of vandelism, and where possible old reclaimed materials will be used. Luckily typhoons are not experienced locally and not even the wind and weather can come for all directions at the same time.

The fuller detail will be made available in the Village Notice Board, outside Tesco Stores, shortly.

I have to say that I was somewhat surprised to see the plans in the latest newsletter (Oct 2010). Maybe I have not read the updates correctly, but I thought that the existing bus shelter was earmarked for development, not demolition. Granted, the current structure is not the prettiest piece of architecture in our village, but if we chose to demolish every building when it felt outdated then past generations not have retained beautiful buildings for us to appreciate today. I'd love to know more about the reasoning behind the complete replacement please - the current building provides protection from both the wind and rain; the planned 'gazebo' looks as if you might need to huddle up tight to the centre for relief from the elements. It also feels like its been planned so it can be replaced in the same way every 20 or so years. We cannot afford such a 'disposable' attitude. The planting design certainly looks like an improvement and I was pleased to see that the area to the right when you drive past Barclays has been included as this will tie everything together. But why can't we mix the improved gardens in with structural changes to existing building? With today's construction technology surely we could have removed a few old toilets and created some usable spaces either side? Let's have a more sustainable approach please and not let the current bus shelter only be visible to those who view photographs in the Society's History Centre.