The Canal & River Trust is set to restore an historic tollhouse in Kings Norton, after it was badly damaged by fire in 2017.
Junction House is over 200 years old and sits on the Worcester and Birmingham Canal at its junction with the Stratford-upn-Avon Canal, between Lifford Lane and Wharf Road.
The property was most recently used as a private residence until January 2019. Sadly, when the building became temporarily vacant, it was struck by an arson attack the following month.
As Junction House is inaccessible by road, West Midlands Fire Service were only able to get a single response vehicle to the scene, with 20 firefighters carrying further equipment from Wharf Road. Water pumped from the canal was used to extinguish the fire.
Now the building’s owners, the Canal & River Trust, are set to begin work on restoring the building to be used as a residence once again.
The Trust’s Building Consultancy Manager, David Wooley, said: “Subject to approval, the Canal & River Trust propose to commence the refurbishment of the Grade II listed Junction House, Kings Norton and a planning application has been submitted for our proposals.
“The house was built in 1796 and is a rare example of a late Georgian canal company navigation office and tollhouse.”
Have Your Say
To view the plans and submit your opinions, visit the Birmingham City Council planning website and search for Application Number 2021/06816/PA (standard application) or 2021/06823/PA (listed building application) before 9th September 2021. Alternatively, send your comments by email to Planning.Comments@birmingham.gov.uk or in writing to Planning and Development, PO Box 28, Birmingham B1 1TU quoting the Application Number.
Cover image: by Oosoom at en.wikipedia • CC BY-SA 3.0 (2007)
