'Aparthotel' plan for major West Midlands road approved despite objections from Home Secretary and police

Proposals for an ‘aparthotel’ in Birmingham have been recommended for approval despite objections from the Home Secretary and West Midlands Police.

Plans have been lodged to convert a care hostel into an ‘aparthotel’, a type of accommodation which blends the space of a residential apartment with the services of a traditional hotel.

If approved, the development at 13 Soho Road would include six bedrooms, a reception/lounge, gym and bathroom.

But the proposals have sparked dozens of objections, with Birmingham Ladywood MP and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood among them.

She said she had been contacted by a number of residents who feared the number of people housed in the ‘aparthotel’ could be ‘over-intensive’ and that the site being close to nurseries and primary schools could pose ‘safeguarding risks’.

In a recent report however, a council officer wrote that concerns over ‘intensive use’ had been addressed by reducing the number of bedrooms from 10 to six.

“Furthermore, the location of the proposed aparthotel use will comply with local policy,” they continued.

On concerns over safeguarding issues due to the proximity of nurseries and primary schools, they said: “It should be noted that the site was

previously operated as a care hostel which is similar in its comings and goings

of people often for an unknown duration.”

West Midlands Police also raised a number of concerns, previously suggesting that no information had been provided to “demonstrate how the proposal would be managed to minimise the opportunity for crime and disorder”.

The council officer said the agent behind the proposals had responded to the police force’s fears by stating the aparthotel would be operated by a specialist management company responsible for day-to day operations.

They also suggested a written management plan can be submitted via planning condition.

“Reception hours are 8am to 8pm, outside of these hours, guests will have

access to a remote 24 hour concierge/support,” the council report said. “The aparthotel would operate on a booking system requiring guest identity with photo ID required prior to arrival.

“Check in will be managed via a secure keyless entry system and check out is managed remotely with access codes expiring at the end of each stay. No walk-ins will be accepted.

“CCTV and external lighting will be in operation.”

The council officer continued: “Further comments in response to the additional information from West Midlands Police are yet to be received.

“However, it is considered that the proposal would provide a secure apart hotel.”

They went on to recommend the proposal for approval, subject to conditions, and said it would “bring the listed building back into active and viable use after being vacant”.

The plans will be considered at Birmingham Council’s planning committee next Thursday, September 10.