24-storey tower block approved for site of former Mini dealership
A new 24-storey apartment block is set to be built after councillors approved plans for a development near Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter.
Birmingham City Council’s planning committee voted unanimously to approve an application from Prosperity Investments and Developments for 226 apartments at the site of a former Mini dealership.
The building, designed by K4 Architects, includes four-storey, eight-storey and 24-storey sections which would replace the existing site at the corner of Summer Hill Road and Goodman Street.
The committee heard that in the time since a report was produced by officers, Historic England have stated it has no comments to make.
The Lead Local Flood Authority has no objections subject to conditions already recommended by officers.
Councillor Gareth Moore said: "I just wanted to comment on the level of car parking offered on this application which is very disappointing, given it is only ten spaces and over 226 units.
"I would still support it, but clearly we have to provide car parking spaces for city centre developments."
Councillor Lou Robson referred to a point in the officers’ report which states the city council’s supplementary planning guidance (SPG) on tall buildings does not identify the site as a location for a tall building.
The report also states: “It should be noted that the SPG is now relatively dated, having been adopted in 2003 and will be reviewed as part of the city’s new Design Guide supplementary planning document.
Concerned
Councillor Robson said: "It seems to be suggesting that we ignore what is actual current planning policy because it is due to be reviewed. That’s a disturbing precedent here.
"I am also concerned about the lack of information on the ability to forecast the wind effects. Those are my concerns."
A council planning officer present at the meeting said there is a controlled parking zone in this area so on-street parking is “well-policed” and the plan is in accordance with parking policy.
He said the report isn’t suggesting members “ignore” high places policy, but said it was a question of how much weight councillors give it in light of its age.
He said it forms a collection of tall buildings with 1960s tower blocks either side of it.
On the wind point, he said "there is scope for mitigation but it shouldn’t be necessary" and that "in this instance, the condition is appropriate".
A total of 11 councillors voted in favour of the application with no councillors voting against or abstaining. Two committee members were not present.
The recommendation in the report from officers was for a legal agreement to be made within one month including arrangements for 10 per cent affordable housing at 25 per cent discount on market value.
