Controversial plans for 500 homes develoment in Digbeth next to Bordesley train station approved

Controversial plans for more than 500 homes in Digbeth have been approved despite fire safety concerns which make councillors “really, really nervous”.

The councillor made the comment while referencing the Grenfell tragedy, which saw 72 people die after a fire ripped through a West London tower block in 2017, adding that the issues have to be “fully addressed before we give permission”.

There were also worries over potential damage to water quality, interference with railway works and the buildings’ height. Developer Pegasus Group wants to build 550 homes of one, two, and three bed flats, and four townhouses on Highgate next to Bordesley train station.

Birmingham City Council chiefs met on Thursday morning (August 18) to discuss the application and voted it through, although it will be considered by building regulators before work commences.

What concerns were raised over the development about the rail plans?

Plans to build on the site were initially refused in February 2020 due to concerns they would interfere with the ongoing enhancement of Birmingham’s rail network. However, the Secretary of State approved the plans after an appeal and a six day inquiry.

The Midlands Rail Hub (MRH) project intends to connect two existing railway lines which the site faces onto. These two lines are the Birmingham to Moor Street London railway line and the former Midland Railway Camp Hill Line from Kings Norton to Water Orton along which three new train stations at Moseley, Kings Heath and Hazelwell have planning permission.

The MRH wants to connect them via a north east and south west ‘chord’ which collectively are known as the Camp Hill Chords. Councillor Lee Marsham said: “I want it noted that if for any reason Camp Hill Chords development is impacted by this scheme, it is on the secretary of state’s head.”

What have councillors and planning officers said about the plans?

Councillor Gareth Moore said: “I do hope it is the case that is not compromised because it would be a shame for residents of Birmingham to lose out on major transport investment as a result of developments taking place elsewhere.”

He added: “It makes me really, really nervous that there are fire safety concerns around these buildings. Certainly after the Grenfell tragedy we do have a duty to make sure that any fire safety concerns when they are raised at this stage, are fully addressed before we give permission.”

The planning officer said: “Fundamentally these are building regulation issues that will need to be resolved as the development continues to be designed. The granting of planning permission in no way circumvents the developer having to meet the required building regulations.”

What did the report say about the development next to Bordesley Train Station?

The report raised concerns about escape routes, access for emergency services and facilities to some blocks in the event of a fire. Current plans for a spiral external staircase were considered inappropriate for people with mobility issues.

The Flood Authority has also objected to plans which do not meet minimum planning policy requirements. The Canals and Rivers Trust objected to the development due to worries it could harm an important water feeder – a structure which channels water past an obstacle – and water quality and drainage.

In addition, the Trust is worried the plans could impede connections to surrounding areas for pedestrians, and has requested some investment to improve towpaths and signs.

Historic England is concerned the scale of the buildings will overwhelm the Holy Trinity Church and other Digbeth landmarks. The response from Historic England said: “We have no objection to the principle of the site’s redevelopment. Unfortunately, the current approach to the site’s redevelopment would instead cause harm to the significance of surrounding heritage assets.”

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