Victorian buildings to make way for 28-storey tower
CRUMBLING Victorian buildings in Birmingham are to make way for a 28-storey despite opposition. Birmingham City Council’s planning committee approved plans to bulldoze the four Victorian properties on the corner of Essex Street and Bristol Street for the development near the city centre.
The scheme, by Essex Street (Properties) Ltd, which built the 406-apartment Bank development on the corner of Broad Street and Sheepcote Street, will see housing 154 flats developed and ground floor shops.
There will also be a sky garden, rooftop cinema, private gym and concierge service.
Councillor Gareth Moore told the meeting that the current buildings, which date back to the 19th century, were in a dangerous condition, adding Essex
Street was recently closed after fears of a collapse.
But the plans have been opposed by The Victorian Society which wanted to see the historic properties retained.
Nearby businesses also raised objections with a neighbouring landowner claiming the development would infringe on their property. Their objection also said the proposed development would not be “favourable for potential future development of their site”.
But Councillor Moore rejected the claims and criticised ‘‘developer nimbyism’’, saying the objection was merely ‘‘tit for tat’’.
He said: “I’m rather frustrated we have this developer nimbyism whereby ‘they can’t have planning permission because it affects our right to develop’.
“So they want to infringe on the other person’s right to develop as well. It just seems very much tit for tat. We have developers objecting to other developers who schemes.
“The site is in a shocking condition. Essex Street had to be closed because part of the building was collapsing. Which is a real shame given these are heritage assets and they should have been maintained.
“But given the poor condition of them, I do think something needs to happen with them. It’s not pleasant and quite narrow for pedestrians.
“So whilst I’m not particularly thrilled with the design put forward, at least it will be a positive introduction compared to what’s there at the moment.”
After the meeting, Mark Holbeche of Essex Street (Properties) Ltd, said: “We’re pleased to see our plans for Essex Street approved by Birmingham City Council, and look forward to bringing forward yet another high-quality, high-rise building which will help regenerate the city’s Southside.”
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