Plans for a new car park at a Birmingham church have been unanimously approved by city councillors, despite the scheme requiring the relocation of historic gravestones.
Parking "Nightmare" Spurs Development
The proposal from St Michael's Church in Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield, seeks to create a new car park and vehicular access point. The primary goal is to alleviate what local representatives describe as a parking "nightmare" on surrounding residential streets and to improve overall accessibility to the church.
During a council planning meeting on 19 December 2025, Councillor Gareth Moore acknowledged the sensitive nature of the application but strongly supported it. "Parking is an absolute nightmare in that area," he stated. "I don't think it'll solve all the parking problems but it'll go some way."
Addressing Concerns Over Historic Graves
The application did not pass without controversy. Several formal objections were submitted, expressing concern about the impact on historic graves within the churchyard. A Birmingham City Council report confirmed the project would necessitate "relocating a number of gravestones within the wider graveyard and churchyard."
However, the council stated that efforts to trace descendants of those buried in the affected plots had been unsuccessful. Crucially, the report highlighted written support from the Archdeacon of Aston, acting on behalf of the Church of England. This confirmation asserted that the plans fully comply with the Church's strict procedures and codes of practice for respecting graves and memorials.
Unanimous Approval with Sensitive Assurances
The planning committee was swayed by assurances that the work would be conducted with utmost care. The car park will be constructed using a "no-dig grid system" designed to avoid disturbing any graves. Furthermore, any relocated gravestones will be moved to a nearby setting within the same church grounds.
Councillor Jane Jones called the plans a "no-brainer," citing the "terrible" parking situation and the sensitive handling of the gravestones. Councillor Jamie Scott welcomed the move, noting that many churches are "really struggling" and it was positive to see one strengthening its community asset.
The council's report concluded that, given the site's lack of heritage or archaeological designation and its location outside a conservation area, the impact on the graves was "acceptable." This assessment, combined with the operational needs of the church, led the committee to grant full approval. The wider scheme also includes the installation of solar panels, air source heat pumps, and other accessibility enhancements.
