Hundreds of affordable homes planned for former warehouse in Digbeth, Birmingham

Plans have been put forward to build 481 ‘high-quality’ and affordable new homes in Digbeth in Birmingham city centre.

Applicant Latimer Developments Ltd proposes to demolish the former Safestore self-storage building on the corner of Clyde Street, near Bordesley railway station, to make way for two apartment blocks, one being 10 storeys and the other 34.

A planning document reads: “The proposed development comprises two high-quality buildings. Building A is 10-storeys and Building B is 34-storeys. They are connected via a single storey ‘pavilion’ link building.

"To the south of the proposed buildings is a new landscaped courtyard and to the north, the buildings will provide a new and enhanced relationship between the site and Digbeth High Street.

“The proposed development will deliver 481 homes, comprising a mix of 1, 2 and 3-bed properties. When built, the proposals will enable the delivery of 268 (55%) of these properties to be affordable homes, comprising 141 (29%) social rent and 127 (26%) shared ownership. This is significantly above the policy requirement of 35%.

“In addition, the proposed development will deliver 637 sqm of commercial space on the ground floor fronting High Street. This space is split into five individual units offering flexibility for different commercial and employment uses on the ground floor to help fulfil the ambitions of Birmingham’s emerging ‘Our Future City Plan’.”

The new development includes the planting of 45 small and medium-sized trees set amongst the proposed courtyard and along the periphery of the site boundaries. In terms of parking, the applicant states “due to the highly sustainable location of the site, the proposed development will be largely car-free”. You can view the plans in full by searching for 2023/07135/PA on the Birmingham City Council planning portal.