How Longbridge car plant site could be transformed to provide hundreds of new homes

House-building company Vistry Group has said it has partnered with Bromford to deliver hundreds of sustainable homes, which it says will provide new affordable places to live and spur economic growth.

Outline planning was previously granted, subject to conditions, by the city council in 2023 for up to 695 homes; the retention and conversion of buildings for employment use and open space.

Now a ‘reserved matters’ application has been submitted, which is seeking approval for the details associated with appearance, landscaping, layout and scale.

According to a design document, there are proposals for a number of buildings which are part of the site’s “rich industrial heritage”.

One example is the CAB building, which previously housed the assembly line for the cars and is proposed to be stripped of its cladding and have its structure retained in order to become part of the landscape in the ‘Central Linear Park’.

“Within the space it occupies, a series of ‘pods’ are proposed to house some community uses,” the document added.

Another is the retained Conference Centre, the proposed use of which is commercial office uses set over two storeys.

Vistry has said the scheme will stimulate economic growth through on-site employment, as well as provide further benefits for the local community with “designated spaces for community uses and public open space”.

It continued that Bromford, one of the UK’s largest housing associations, will own and manage the affordable homes.

Bromford is acquiring 250 of the proposed homes, ensuring that more than 35 per cent of the homes on this development will be affordable, Vistry added.

The housing association will also make 132 homes, 19 per cent of the total number being proposed, available for social rent.

A further 209 units will be destined for the private rental sector and the remaining 236 properties will be available on the open market for private ownership.

Phil McHugh, managing director of Vistry North West Midlands, said the project would contribute to Birmingham’s economic growth by providing new jobs and high-quality places to live.

He continued: “Like many major cities, Birmingham has a severe shortage of affordable homes; that’s something we’re aiming to address by going the extra mile to deliver affordable and social rent homes.

“We’re also hugely proud of the sustainability of the homes we’ll be providing, with features and construction methods that reduce their impact on the environment and will lower energy bills for future residents.”

Alice Phillips, regional development manager at Bromford, added: “Working with Vistry to bring new affordable homes to Birmingham as part of the Longbridge redevelopment is a perfect opportunity for us.

“With the work that’s already taken place at Longbridge and everything that’s planned over the years ahead, our future customers will have great prospects to live, work and thrive in these new homes and community.”

She went on to say: “Providing 132 homes for social rent as part of this partnership will make a real difference to the lives of families who are currently waiting for affordable housing in Birmingham.”