New housing scheme set to ease Birmingham’s financial woes

CASH-STRAPPED Birmingham City Council is set to market a new residential scheme – provided it secures planning permission for itself.

It has applied to itself for planning consent to build homes on the five-acre Athol Farm site in Bartley Green.

The site was previously occupied by four tower blocks, each containing 50 flats. However, these were demolished in 2011, although the slab and foundations to the former Broadmeadow and Bartley Houses was retained because of the close proximity of live cables.

A planning brief outlines the steps necessary in order to sustain residential development on the site, which is bounded by Cromwell Lane to the south, Monmouth Road to the west and Senneleys Park to the east and north.

The proposals would see the site accommodate 80 new homes, comprising 24 two-bed flats and a mix of 33 two-bedroom houses, 18 three-bedroom houses and five four-bedroom properties.

The existing road network previously served 204 flats and so the brief claims the new proposals actually represent a significant reduction in highway demand. Nevertheless, the scheme could see two cul-de-sacs joined together to provide for a better service road network.  

The consent would be for an equal mix of private and private rental properties. The design statement said the mix would support the area residential housing needs.

It said there was currently a high demand in the Bartley Green ward for two and bedroom properties.

In 2013/14, 35.8% of the demand for two-bedroom houses was met and only 7.8% of the need was met for four bedroom houses.

Birmingham City Council is keen to promote and expand the private rented offer for the city and the brief said this scheme was an ideal location for a private rental scheme.

In proposing a PRS, the council said it would look to secure private money to support new housing provision.

“In a housing market where it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to own their own homes this development will increase housing options for people who are unable to finance home ownership,” said the brief.

“A high quality private rented scheme in this location will attract professionals who want to work in the Birmingham but not live in the city centre.

“It is believed to be a realistic and deliverable project proposal intended to secure inward investment in the site and the construction of much needed homes as quickly as possible.”

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