Skyscraper flats to go ahead despite fears over parking

THE tallest residential tower block in Birmingham has been given the go-ahead, despite concerns over a lack of parking.

The new 31-storey apartment block at the junction of Broad Street and Sheepcote Street was given the green light by the council planning committee last week.

But members were unhappy with developer Regal’s striking block of 205 apartments as it will offer no car park for residents.

Six years ago, the site had been earmarked for a 56-storey tower which was never built due to the economic slump.

The new tower is the second part of the Left Bank development – the first, a 22-storey apartment block at the back of the site, was given planning permission in late 2015 and is under construction.

Councillor Gareth Moore (Con, Erdington) said: “It will have 31 floors for residents and some of them will own cars, so surely the developer could have put in a few extra storeys for a multi-storey car park?

“We think we can reduce car use by not providing car parking spaces, but all it does is create problems.”

He was backed by Cllr Keith Linnecor (Lab, Oscott) who added: “It will create chaos.”

But planning officials pointed out that there was no policy requirement for a city centre tower block to have parking included due to the public transport links, including the extension to the Midland Metro due to be built along Broad Street.

Car sharing schemes were mentioned. also

Other councillors agreed. Cllr Kerry Jenkins (Lab, Hall Green) said: “Whoever is buying an apartment here will be told there is no car park and will make that informed choice. I can’t see it being a problem.”

Cllr Steve Booton (Lab, Weoley) added that with city centre congestion and pollution a major issue it was time to “bite the bullet” and limit car park spaces.

Councillors also backed the design and height of the tower. Coun Peter Douglas Osborn (Con, Weoley) said: “This is exactly where it is needed. It looks like a piece of cake. We should call it the ‘chateau gateau’. ”

The design by architects Glancy Nicholls was inspired by Broad Street’s historic role as home for the city’s silversmiths.

The committee voted by 11-1 to approve the scheme.