Proposals for new apartment building near Digbeth in Birmingham recommended for approval

Proposals for a new apartment building in an inner-city area of Birmingham have been recommended for approval.

The plans for the seven-storey building in Bordesley High Street, close to Digbeth, will be discussed by Birmingham City Council’s (BCC) planning committee later this month after being submitted by developers. If approved, an existing commercial unit which previously sold motorcycle clothing and accessories would be demolished to make way for the new building, which would feature 136 apartments.

Birmingham City Council’s conservation officer had no objections, saying the application site “currently makes a negative contribution to the character and appearance of the conservation area.”

They added: “The site would benefit from redevelopment that would offer an enhancement to the area.” The Victorian Society did object to the proposed development though, questioning its height and arguing that it was “likely to set an unwelcome precedent for surrounding sites.”

However the council’s conservation officer notes: “The overall scale of the proposal meets conservation area policy on heights. As such, I can agree with the conclusion of the Heritage Statement, that the proposal would sustain and enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area.”

A council officer’s report published ahead of next week’s meeting added the proposals would see the delivery of a “high-quality residential led development” on brownfield land. The proposed residential units would make a meaningful contribution towards Birmingham’s housing shortfall and contribute towards the regeneration aspirations for this part of the city centre,” it continued.

“It would also deliver much needed affordable housing, in accordance with local and national policies.”

The report went on to say the proposal would see “the removal of an undesirable development in the conservation area” if approved.

“The scheme would also provide economic, social and environmental benefits,” it added.

The application will be reviewed at a Birmingham City Council planning committee meeting being held next week on Thursday, February 22.