City centre apartment block recommended for approval

Developers are seeking permission for a building featuring 133 apartments, as well as a central 12 storey tower, at the corner of Kent Street and Gooch Street North in the city centre.

A recently-published council officer’s report said the site lies within an area known for its vibrant late night venues, such as the nearby Nightingale Club.

It stated that to create an “acceptable internal noise environment” within the development, the proposed apartments would therefore require a noise mitigation scheme which would incorporate sealed windows to bedrooms.

But it said there has been a “difference of opinion” between the applicant’s noise consultation and the council about how many apartments would need sealed windows.

“In order to avoid a situation whereby a large proportion of the development needs to have sealed windows, the applicant has confirmed a willingness to provide a financial contribution to cover the costs of noise mitigation at source,” the report said.

"This would mean works to the building in which The Nightingale is located."

The report went on to say that the applicant is willing to provide £1,050,000 towards the work.

“If the cost of The Nightingale noise mitigation works is less than £1,050,000, then any unexpended money would be used towards affordable housing,” it said.

In the event another nearby development fully funds the works at The Nightingale first, the £1,050,000 would fund affordable housing instead.

According to the report, the onus is upon the development to mitigate noise at source.

“It is therefore essential that noise insulation of The Nightingale takes place for the development to proceed,” it stated.

“In addition, it is anticipated that the proposed mitigation would help safeguard the future of The Nightingale and maintain the night time economy within Southside.”

On the topic of affordable homes, the report said: “While a residential development of this scale would normally be expected to provide affordable housing and public open space, independent assessment of the Financial Viability Appraisal concludes  no additional [legal agreement] contributions can be made without compromising delivery of the development.”

Out of the total 133 apartments, 48 per cent would be one-bedroom and 52 per cent would be two-bedroom.

On why it’s been recommended for approval, subject to legal agreements, the report said:  “The proposal would see the delivery of 133 apartments in a sustainable city centre location making a welcome contribution towards meeting the city’s overall housing need.

“Subject to conditions to ensure the quality of the development and legal agreements to deal with entertainment noise, a good standard of accommodation would be provided without detriment to The Nightingale Club.”

The proposed development will be considered by Birmingham City Council’s planning committee this Thursday, November 28.