Edgbaston student block decision made after ‘pushback’ against developer
Proposals for a student accommodation block in Edgbaston have been approved after council planners ‘pushed back’ against the developer.
The application for a six-storey student block in Frederick Road was previously deferred and minded to refuse by council planners in July.
Concerns were raised over the scheme’s design and how it could potentially “harm the character and appearance of the Edgbaston Conservation Area”.
But amended plans were provided ahead of a planning meeting earlier today, August 28, with an updated design taking “cues from the surrounding historic Georgian buildings”.
A council report also confirmed that the top storey had been removed from the scheme.
During the meeting, Coun Gareth Moore praised the developer for listening to the concerns raised last month.
“I just want to thank the developer for taking those comments on board,” he said. “It’s far more than I expected […] by knocking a floor off and putting a lot of detail into the appeal of the building.
“It shows there is sometimes merit in pushing back, I think this is a really good outcome.”
On the changes made by the developer, the report said: “The proposals are now just one storey taller than the existing office building and consequently now sits more comfortably next to the adjoining property.
“This reduced scale and massing reduces the prominence of the development within the street scene and wider conservation area.”
The external material also changed from red to white brick, which council officers said “appropriately acknowledges” the surrounding properties.
“Having re-evaluated the surrounding Georgian buildings the applicants have made several changes to the detailing on the front elevation,” the report continued.
“Officers believe the changes fully address the concerns raised at the previous committee meeting.”
The amended proposals were ultimately approved by the council’s planning committee.
The decision comes amid rising demand for student accommodation in Birmingham, with a previous council report saying demand was expected to rise from 47,434 to 53,476 between 2022/23 and 2027/28.
“It is clear universities within the city will continue to grow,” it continued.
“The increase in demand [for student accommodation] is expected to be high in the Selly Oak / Edgbaston area.
“A shortfall of 14,936 bedspaces is predicted in this part of the city which is considered to be substantial.”
“The proposal would support the function of University of Birmingham and Birmingham City University as key providers of employment, culture, and learning,” the report added.
“There would be no adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring residential occupiers and the development would provide an acceptable living environment for future occupiers.”
