Former Birmingham police station set to be demolished to make way for new homes
Major plans to demolish a former Birmingham police station and build new homes on the site have been recommended for approval.
Spitfire Homes is proposing to build townhouses, apartments and a detached house where Harborne Police Station was based in Rose Road.
A city council report says the police station ceased use back in October 2023 and existing buildings would be demolished if the plans are given the green light next week.
It continued that several factors weighed in favour of the application, including the use of brownfield land for homes; reduction of traffic in comparison to the site’s previous use and ‘ecological enhancements’.
“Moreover, the economic and employment benefits associated with the construction of this major development would be significant,” the report added.
It also said the application site is located around 60 metres north of the Grade II listed Fire Station and Station Cottages, with “intervening uses in between”.
“The existing building, a large 1980s building without significant architectural merit, is considered a broadly negative feature in the listed building’s setting,” it said.
“In comparison, the proposed development would be smaller in scale and of a higher architectural quality.
“As such, the proposal would not result in harm to the significance of this heritage asset [and] would result in a number of significant public benefits.”
The proposals were therefore recommended for approval ahead of a planning committee meeting next Thursday, February 19.
Spitfire Homes confirmed it had completed the acquisition of the site in the spring of last year.
Before then, 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 at the time that nearby Quinton Police Station would be retained and refurbished.
“These decisions reflect the independent, impartial, and operational policing judgement 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.”
