Major redevelopment plans for new homes in Birmingham set for approval
Major plans to redevelop a site near the heart of the Jewellery Quarter to provide new homes have been recommended for approval.
Developers are seeking permission to demolish a number of existing industrial buildings at land bounded by Hockley Hill, Well Street, Great King Street and Barr Street.
175 Hockley Hill, a Grade II listed building which sits in the southern corner of the site, would be retained and incorporated into the proposed development.
This scheme would comprise five and six-storey blocks featuring 269 apartments, as well as commercial space.
In particular, 175 Hockley Hill would be converted into a main entrance to the development with shared amenity space and two apartments above.
A council officer’s report, published ahead of a meeting this week, noted several benefits the proposals would bring, such as the delivery of housing and the restoration of 175 Hockley Hill.
It also praised the re-use of a brownfield site, the delivery of affordable workspace and ‘ecological enhancements’ through the landscaping.
But the report also highlighted a number of harms, including the loss of employment land and no on-site public open space or financial contribution towards off-site provision.
“In my view, significant weight should be given to the delivery of housing, which remains a pressing need for the city despite its current ability to demonstrate a five year housing land supply,” the council officer wrote.
“The development is on brownfield land, 52 per cent of units would have two or three bedrooms and a range of options is proposed, including some duplex apartments.”
On heritage benefits, they went on to say: “The site currently detracts from the setting of the heritage assets and makes a poor contribution to the general character and appearance of a key route into and out of the city centre.”
The council officer ultimately concluded: “The benefits of the development would outweigh the harms and it should be approved.
“This application would bring the site into a more efficient use providing housing and workspace which is more suitable for use by creative industries.
“The architecture would be a vast improvement on the current buildings. The listed building within the site would be brought into a sustainable long-term use and the site would make a much more positive contribution to the setting of the Jewellery Quarter Conservation Area.”
The proposals will be considered at a council planning committee meeting this Thursday, February 19.
