Building of the Month

FOR AUCTION

Guide Price for each - £150,000

42 and 44 Flint Green Road are substantial red brick houses in Acocks Green, a leafy residential suburb between Birmingham and Solihull. 

Both houses need a new owner who will care for them appropriately, retaining and restoring the original features which are so characteristic of the surrounding area. Flint Green Road and its neighbouring streets share many similarities – good red brick work with chamfered details and decorative flourishes, as well as original boundary walls, gates and railings. 

Acocks Green, 4 miles from Birmingham city centre, went through a major construction phase following the opening of a station on the Birmingham to Oxford line in 1852. Wealthy city workers were suddenly able to escape the city and set up in well-built homes in the leafy suburbs. Acocks Green retains much of that original character and is, in our opinion, worthy of conservation area designation. Unfortunately it isn’t one and it is unlikely it will be made one for some time. The council do not have the resources to designate one at this time, but the question is, by the time they can, will the houses and features worth saving already have gone? 

The fact that so many very good, but unlisted buildings are lurking in the unprotected suburbs is cause for great concern. Large plots attract hungry developers and they have already started their nibbling. (The rear gardens are already being marketed with planning permission for new build, with the same agents.) 

We, and the residents of Acocks Green, are therefore extremely keen to introduce conservation-minded individuals to Numbers 42 and 44 to ensure their preservation. They do need some work doing to them and there are some damp issues possibly due to a lack of ventilation. The houses are spacious with 6 and 7 bedrooms. These could make wonderful family homes again. Their loss, which is not beyond possibility, would be sorely felt. 

For Sale by Public Auction at The Greswolde Hotel, Knowle on Thursday 18th March 2010 at 6.30 p.m.

Agents:
John Shepherd
Knowle Office
Residential Sales
1685 High Street
Knowle
Solihull
West Midlands
B93 0LN 

Tel: 01564 771186
Enquiries@johnshepherd.com
www.johnshepherd.com

Local Authority:
Birmingham City Council