Plans for two apartment blocks with hundreds of homes in Longbridge, Birmingham

A lack of car parking spaces and not enough family homes have been put to Birmingham City Council’s planning officers amid proposals to build two huge apartment blocks in Longbridge. Developers St Modwen have submitted two applications totalling 364 apartments next to a retirement village and the South & City College Birmingham, formerly Bournville College.

The first, One Park Square, will consist of 208 apartments across six to nine floors, with the majority one and two-bedroom properties. Just 97 car parking spaces have been proposed to accommodate 208 new homes which is a concern highlighted by local councillor Debbie Clancy (Conservative, Longbridge & West Heath).

She said: “There are concerns regarding the amount of car parking spaces being allocated for this development. The proposal states six storeys with scope for nine storeys, therefore additional car parking spaces should be a higher proportionality.

“The local amenities do provide sufficient scope for everyday needs; however, it must be reiterated that the area and this new development should still provide a higher percentage of parking.

“Developers should also consider a more mixed development of housing rather than apartments, particularly with a view that another planning application for 160 dwellings (apartments) has been proposed.

“Despite the focus being on high density of housing in this location, consideration should be given to greater scope on growing family accommodation which would attribute to a more family living environment and align with the young population and growing families within the south of the city and, in addition to this, family homes will also provide a return on investment for banded council tax.”

The breakdown of the properties at One Park Square would be as follows: 108 one-bedroom (52%), 78 two-bedroom (38%) and 22 three-bedroom (10%). Ahead of next week’s decision, 33 objection letters have been sent to council chiefs from residents living at Longbridge Retirement Village and along Austin View. Those against the plans cite potential issues surrounding noise complaints, views blocked from balconies, loss of light, highway safety and parking concerns.

Elsewhere, developer St Modwen’s second application – Two Park Square – is a 156-apartment build spread across six floors. Plans show 86 car parking spaces.

Coun Clancy added: “Whilst it is understood that this may encourage sustainable travel uptake, I am concerned that due to previous casework received from residents within nearby Austin Way there will be an imbalance between supply and demand of car park spaces.

“There is also a need for more businesses to encourage employment thus adding an additional business investment and economy which could align with inclusive growth.” A total of 11 letters of objection for Two Park Square have been received with the site directly next to Bournville College. A planning decision on both developments will be given on October 19.