550-home scheme rejected over heritage and housing mix

A proposed 550-home development in Birmingham has been unanimously rejected by councillors, with concerns over its impact on local heritage and a “poor mix” of housing at the heart of the decision.

Led by family-run Ryland Estates, the plan involved demolishing existing buildings on a 0.6-hectare site bordered by Bristol Street, Bromsgrove Street and Essex Street.

It proposed three new buildings: a 41-storey tower, an 11-storey block, and a 7-storey building.

The development, named Trifecta Residences, includes 550 Build-to-Rent apartments, ranging from one to four bedrooms, along with ground-floor commercial space, shared lounges, co-working areas and a biodiverse garden.

Having owned the plots for several years, Ryland Estates said it wished to “re-develop and re-invigorate the under-used site” leaving a lasting legacy within Birmingham.

Plans would have delivered a mix of 232 one-bedroom, 302 two-bedroom, 14 three-bedroom and two four-bedroom apartments.

The city council’s planning committee delayed the vote in September this year, citing concerns about the affordability and housing mix within the development.

Heritage groups, including the Victorian Society and the Twentieth Century Society, opposed the demolition of low-rise buildings on the site, citing their historical value.

A council conservation officer also raised concerns about the impact on Birmingham’s heritage.

At the planning committee, these issues were central to the decision to reject the project, with councillors stating that the developer had not addressed heritage concerns and that the housing mix was inadequate.

Additionally, the impact on nearby businesses was not properly considered.