Three major planning decisions as ever-changing city of Birmingham continues to transform

Dubbed as a ‘once in a generation opportunity’ to reshape the city centre, the Smithfield plans intend to transform the former Birmingham wholesale market site near the Bullring shopping centre into a thriving new destination with residential buildings as well as new leisure and cultural spaces.

Lendlease, a global real estate group behind the venture, previously said it wanted Smithfield to be a celebration of Birmingham’s heritage while the city council said it could help drive Brum’s international standing and reputation.

However, it ended up being deferred by the council’s planning committee in May, with one councillor saying it was “critical” that they get the enormous project right.

At the same meeting, proposals for a new neighbourhood centred around a “re-naturalised” river were approved.

A new development on the site of the MG Rover car plant in Longbridge, where thousands of workers suddenly found themselves without jobs almost 20 years ago, was also given the green light.

Here are three major planning decisions made this month as the ever-changing city of Birmingham continues to transform.

Smithfield

There were proposals to defer the Smithfield plans when they were considered by the planning committee in May.

“It’s critical we get Smithfield right and so much of what is proposed is really good,” councillor Lee Marsham said. “It’s almost there – the layout, the number of homes being built.

“I think it just needs a slight tweak or two,” he added, referring to access to open spaces and whether more could be done to provide a more flexible event space.

“It’s too big a project to rush,” Councillor Jane Jones argued. “I would like to see more open space in the city.”

Selina Mason, speaking on behalf of the applicant, highlighted the benefits the Smithfield project would bring to the city and added: “The city has been waiting for a long time for this to happen”.

On the concerns raised over the proposed Smithfield Park, a council officer’s report said: “Objections refer to requirements for public open space per resident and highlight that the proposed park falls below these requirements, coupled with a lack of existing green spaces within the city centre

“However, this is a very dense city centre proposal, therefore providing open space requirements on this character of development would make the proposal unviable, as much of the site would be open space and not developable.”

The report acknowledged there had also been objection to the scheme regarding the size of the public square and its ability to be used for events such as Pride.

“There is no planning policy requirement for the square to be of a minimum size or hold any particular events,” it continued.

“Nonetheless, the estimated capacity for events in Manor Square is 6,500-7,000 people. This is not insubstantial.”

River Rea project

Major plans for a new Birmingham neighbourhood centred around a “re-naturalised” river were given the green light in May.

The development, which will be built on land south of Moseley Street near Digbeth, is set to feature over 1,300 new apartments as well as commercial space.

Those behind the project have also said they will invest in landscaping the River Rea, which runs through the area, potentially creating “desirable new public spaces” along its banks.

Councillor Gareth Moore described the plans for the River Rea as “fantastic” and said the proposed development had lots of positives but raised concerns over the housing mix.

On the housing mix, the council officer’s report noted: “While this does not seem ideal when measured against the HEDNA (Housing and Economic Development Needs Assessment) starting point for the Central Area, it is supported by evidence of local housing market conditions including from other developments undertaken by the applicant.

“Consequently, I anticipate a good level of occupation.

“I consider these units will fit into the city’s rental market as a whole, and a condition can be used to promote the inclusion of larger units when the outline element of this application comes forward through reserved matters.”

Rachel Allwood, planning director at Dandara Living, added: “The redevelopment will deliver much-needed new homes to meet Birmingham’s housing need and drive the ecological and environmental transformation of this part of the city by re-naturalising the River Rea.”

‘Research unit’ at former MG Rover Plant site

Part of the MG Rover car plant site in Longbridge is set to become a new unit for research, development and manufacturing purposes.

The plans were lodged by Allsee Technologies Limited, an electronics manufacturer, and approved by the city council’s planning committee earlier this month.

A council officer’s report, published prior to the meeting, said the development would be a “positive inward investment” into the West Longbridge site.

“It would support the provision of high-quality employment opportunities,” it continued. “The scale and appearance of the proposed development would be acceptable and would sit comfortably in the street scene.”

Councillor Colin Green was supportive of the plans, saying at the meeting: “It’s been 19 years now since [MG Rover] went bust.

“This site has been set aside for 19 years in the hope that some employment land would be used – I’m very pleased.”