Apartments plan for ruined hotel site

The remains of a former hotel on the outskirts of Birmingham are to be demolished so they can be replaced by a new apartments development.

The bed and breakfast accommodation on Hagley Road was badly damaged in an arson attack, leaving the building as little more than ruin.

A renovation of the building in its present condition is not considered cost efficient.

Plans have been submitted to Birmingham City Council proposing the demolition of the building and the clearance of the site in preparation for its replacement with a three storey development housing a mix of one and two bed apartments.

The hotel consisted of two large converted semi-detached Victorian houses, built around the 1890s, and occupying 423 and 425 Hagley Road, close to the Sandwell border.

The site is part of a mixed residential area comprising hotels, bed and breakfast accommodation, detached semi-detached and terrace housing of varying periods and styles, plus care homes and businesses.

The area is dominated by the 240-home Hagley Road Retirement Village, which is opposite the hotel site.

The site is a prominent eyesore on what is, a main arterial route into Birmingham city centre.

A heritage statement accompanying the planning application, completed by consultant Richard K Morriss & Associates, has concluded that the removal of the existing ruined building and its replacement with the apartments would have a positive impact on the surrounding area.

There would be 17 parking space for the new apartments, incorporating two disabled bays.

However, it is thought that as the site lies on a main bus route in and out of the city then car use may be minimal.