Approval Recommended Again for Birmingham City Centre Skyscraper

Proposals for a new skyscraper in Birmingham city centre have once more received a recommendation for approval, despite ongoing concerns regarding an apparent shortage of affordable housing. Birmingham City Council’s planning committee is set to discuss the plans for three new buildings, including a 41-storey tower, after having deferred its decision in September. A report previously reviewed by the committee indicated that the proposed development, located on land at Bristol Street, Bromsgrove Street, and Essex Street, would provide 550 build-to-rent homes. However, only 31 units, representing less than 6% of the total, were designated as affordable housing. The Birmingham Fair Housing Campaign criticized the scheme, arguing at the time that it “does not meet the needs of those who most desperately need housing in our city”. Concerns were also raised during a meeting earlier this year, with councillor Philip Davis describing the affordable housing offer as “extremely low”. Councillor Colin Green also objected to the fact that nearly half the units would be one-bedroom flats. “My concern is we’re overdeveloping the city centre with one bedroom flats that are just not needed and it’s a problem that will last 100 years after we’ve made the decision,” he told the meeting. But an update, issued before next week’s meeting, stated it was the view of council officers that increasing the number of two and three-bed units would have “adverse consequences for the ability to support an increased affordable housing offer.” It recommended the proposed development for approval on condition it provided either 5.6% affordable homes on-site, or an off-site contribution of £3.17m towards affordable housing. The design of the scheme was praised in the report published earlier this year, with Birmingham City Council leisure services describing the architectural style as “refreshingly bold and unique” and saying it would be “a landmark building within the city’s skyline”. The report also stated that the benefits of the scheme would outweigh any potential harm to sites including The Rotunda, St Martin’s Church, and The Wellington Hotel.