Huge regeneration scheme for 'forgotten' Birmingham estate set for approval
Birmingham City Council’s plans to transform a “forgotten” estate into a green oasis has been recommended for approval in a major update for the project.
The authority’s huge regeneration scheme could drastically change Druids Heath and provide around 3,500 new homes.
Green spaces, new infrastructure and transport links could also be built while commercial and community spaces in the area would be revitalised.
But concerns have emerged over the potential impact on the community and fears existing residents would be priced out of the area.
A planning application for the project was lodged earlier this year, which included proposals for sports facilities and a “vibrant” high street.
These proposals, which seek outline planning permission, have now been recommended for approval ahead of a council meeting next Thursday, October 23.
A council report listed several benefits the regeneration scheme would provide, including housing, a new sports hub, improved green spaces, additional community uses, the demolition of vacant tower blocks and a network of pedestrian and cycling facilities.
But it went on to note that harm could arise from the ‘potential relocation of the existing population’.
The report also highlights how the planning application only details how 400 homes will be built as affordable homes in the area, which was previously described as “forgotten” by ward councillor Julien Pritchard.
The council has previously committed to building around 1,785 affordable homes as part of the scheme, which would represent 51 per cent of homes on the development.
The report said: “The applicant, BCC Housing, are committed to fulfilling the strategic goal of 51 per cent affordable housing on this site, with a right to return policy to the site which would be reliant on this level of affordable housing coming forward.”
Coun Jayne Francis, former cabinet member for housing and homelessness, previously insisted that the regeneration would “provide much-needed, new affordable homes”.
“For the past two years, we have been working with the community in Druids Heath to develop a plan to regenerate the area, one that meets the needs of the people who live and work there,” she said earlier this year.
Coun Francis also said she understood residents’ concerns about being priced out of the area.
“For this reason, the council is looking at how we can use different financial models to give residents an opportunity to remain on the estate,” she said.
“We will let residents know more about these models as soon as we are able.
“It is really important to the council that everyone who wants to stay in Druids Heath can do so.”
The council report concluded that the Druids Heath plans would “generate significant benefits to the local area”.
“It would make a significant contribution to housing numbers and Birmingham City Council’s housing target of an additional 51,100 homes by 2031, as well as being able to provide for a variety of housing needs,” it said.
“Whilst the site currently benefits from existing on site open space, the proposal seeks to make significant improvements to open space, green infrastructure.
“[It] would also ensure a more permeable layout with greater natural surveillance and improved commercial and community uses.”
The plans will be considered by Birmingham City Council’s planning committee on Thursday, October 23.
