Jewellery Quarter flats bid set for nod despite size fears
PLANS for new Jewellery Quarter flats which will expand a 200-year-old business look set for approval despite concerns over the development’s size, height and impact on neighbouring historic buildings.
The proposal would see the existing 1970s-built home of jewellers Charles Green & Son on Tenby Street demolished and replaced with a four-storey building including new space for the business.
Charles Green & Son says the project will allow the business to stay within the area following two centuries of trading from the Jewellery Quarter as well as safeguard 30 jobs.
The building would include 37 one and two bed apartments measuring 42 to 66 square meters with duplexes measuring up to 103 square meters.
Around 20 per cent of flats will be offered at 10 per cent discount to key workers and five per cent designated affordable housing.
Developers Rainier Developers also seek to put in place 693 square meters of ground floor commercial space units suitable for a range of uses.
Concerns have been raised by Historic England, the Victorian Society and the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust about the size and scale next to five nearby grade II and II* listed buildings.
These concerns were echoed by Cllr Chaman Lal (Lab) and the report to councillors lists his position as: “The proposed development is too big and too high for the site which would have adverse impact on the neighbourhood.
“The proposed development would have adverse impact on the heritage of the Jewellery Quarter Conservation Area.”
The report states 38 responses were received following a public consultation including concerns that “a development of this height and uses would have a detrimental impact on the surrounding area”.
There were also concerns from residents of two neighbouring listed buildings put forward by a barrister, including that “the flats are unacceptably small” and “the quality of life for residents would be unacceptable”.
Six businesses had supported the application, and described the jewellers as “a critical part of the Jewellery Quarter’s heritage”.
Tom Green, Chairman at Charles Green & Son, said: “The redevelopment of our current premises allows us to remain in the Jewellery Quarter. Without it, we would be forced to look for suitable space elsewhere in Birmingham or perhaps even outside the city.
“We’ve worked closely with the city council, our neighbours and other stakeholders to design a scheme which works for everyone.
“Having the support of our colleagues across the Jewellery Quarter means a lot and demonstrates how valued Charles Green & Son is to the area.”
The application is recommended for approval by officers subject to a planning gain agreement and conditions. The application will be heard by the city council’s planning committee today (Thursday) at 11am and can be viewed at: http://civico.net/ birmingham