Chocks away for Flightshed homes plan

Plans to build almost 100 new homes on the site of a former aircraft factory in Birmingham are set for the go ahead.

Taylor Wimpey Homes and St. Modwen Homes plan to build 95 homes on the site of the former Flight Shed Yard, at the corner of Lowhill Lane and Groveley Lane, Longbridge, close to the MG Motors UK plant.

The proposed development would comprise: 23, two-bedroom units; 39, three-bedroom units; and 33, four-bedroom units.

All houses would be two-storeys in height with a proposed apartment block being three-storeys with balconies on the first and second floors.

The site formerly housed a large building known as the ‘Flightshed’, which was built in 1937 and during the Second World War was used to manufacture aircraft engine parts and assemble aircraft along with the former East Works site.

Letters submitted comment on the scheme – which is recommended for approval at today’s Birmingham planning committee – suggest that a plaque or some other memorial – possibly a propeller – should be provided highlighting the site’s importance during the war; while others suggest roads on the development should commemorate its heritage.

One resident has said that the site had an underground winch mechanism that used to winch aircraft up the hill to the airfield that is still there and it would be a fitting tribute to uncover it and display it within the development.

A report to today’s meeting states: “The redevelopment of the site for housing accords with both national and local planning policy. The proposal is consistent with the key objectives of the BDP (Birmingham Development Plan) and the Longbridge AAP and would continue to deliver the attractive, quality neighbourhoods envisaged.

“The proposed mix of dwellings and house types would help to provide a balanced community and widen the choice of property available within the Longbridge redevelopment area. The scale, layout and design are acceptable and appropriate for the area and would deliver a significant contribution to meeting the city’s housing needs.”