Redevelopment plans for site of former Masonic lodge that was knocked down after fire
Designed by famed architect John Madin, it was a well-known events venue until its closure in 2014
Major plans to redevelop the site of a former Masonic lodge to provide housing have been recommended for approval.
Permission is being sought to build 75 townhouses and 90 apartments at the former Clarendon Suites site in Edgbaston, just off Hagley Road.
Designed by famed architect John Madin, it was a well-known events venue until its closure in 2014, staging conferences and exhibitions in addition to its use as the Provincial Grand Lodge of Warwickshire Masons.
But it was ultimately demolished after a fire in early 2019.
A developer is now proposing to go ahead with a scheme which would provide 165 new homes – along with amenity space, landscaping and public realm – if plans are given the green light later this month.
In a new report, a council officer wrote that the proposed development would bring several benefits to the area, including housing suitable for families, green space, temporary construction jobs and an enhanced biodiversity value at the site.
But it also acknowledged it could cause a “low level of less than substantial harm” to the Grade II listed 215 Hagley Road as well as the loss of seven trees.
However, a council officer said the latter would be “offset” by the proposed planting of 156 trees across the site.
They went on to say that the the benefits of the proposal “outweigh the identified harms” and recommended the plans for approval.
“The proposed development would secure the delivery of 165 homes in a sustainable location and would bring a long-term vacant brownfield site back into use,” they said.
“The proposed residential apartments and townhouses would make a meaningful contribution towards Birmingham’s housing provision and would provide a significant number of three-bedroom family homes, for which there is an evidenced need in Edgbaston.
“The development would make a modest contribution towards much-needed affordable housing, in accordance with local and national planning policy.
“The scheme would also provide several social, economic and environmental benefits.”
The proposed development is set to be considered by Birmingham Council’s planning committee on Thursday (August 13).
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