Plans lodged to demolish former Birmingham police station to make way for homes
Plans have been lodged to demolish a former Birmingham police station to make way for new homes.
Spitfire Homes is currently seeking permission from the city council to build townhouses and apartments on the site of Harborne Police Station in Rose Road.
The decision to dispose of the station was initially taken back in 2018 amid the choices between “maintaining police officer numbers versus police buildings”.
Those behind the proposed scheme for the site have said it would provide a mix of new homes in Harborne, with a range of sizes and styles.
“Some will suit young professionals, downsizers and couples, whilst larger houses will be ideal for families,” a design document said.
It continued: “These exciting proposals will transform the site into an attractive residential development.
“The proposal will provide eight new terraced townhouses, one new detached house, one new self-contained apartment, along with 40 new apartments spread across two blocks.
“Private and communal amenity gardens with green spaces will be provided.”
The document went on to say that the housing options would range from one bedroom apartments to four/five bedroom family homes, with each one being provided with off-street parking along with shared visitor parking.
“Spitfire Homes has a reputation for high-quality developments that respond to the area in which they are situated and come with future-proofed, sustainable features,” it added.
“The design of the buildings will be sympathetic to the local architectural style.”
The homebuilder confirmed it had completed the acquisition of the site, formerly occupied by the police, in the spring of this year.
The West Midlands Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner insisted in June 2024 that tackling crime in Harborne remains a “top priority” despite the disposal of its police station.
It added that nearby Quinton Police Station would be retained and refurbished.
“These decisions reflect the independent, impartial, and operational policing judgment and recommendation of the Chief Constable and West Midlands Police,” a statement read.
“Preventing, tackling and reducing crime and the safety and security of the people and communities of Harborne is a top priority for West Midlands Police, as it is for all of the people and communities of the West Midlands.”
It continued that choices have had to be made “between maintaining police officer numbers versus police buildings”.
“West Midlands Police continues to have fewer police officers than in 2010,” the statement said.
“The WMP Estates Strategy and receipts from disposals help maintain police officer and police staff numbers, and secure the financial viability of West Midlands Police. Without this, up to 860 police officer posts would be at risk.
“Careful consideration will be given to maximising social value, before any disposal takes place.”
Spitfire Home’s planning application added that the existing buildings on site, which used to be home to the police station, provide “little architectural interest and don’t reflect the character of the area”.
On the proposed apartment blocks, it also said: “The building height has been kept below the existing police station height to ensure massing does not become dominant for the site.”
