Plans to redevelop the former Clarendon Suites site in Edgbaston, Birmingham, into 165 new homes have been approved. The development will comprise 75 townhouses and 90 apartments, located just off Hagley Road.
Approval Granted for Former Masonic Lodge Site
The site, designed by famed architect John Madin, was originally an events venue and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Warwickshire Masons. It staged conferences and exhibitions until its closure in 2014, and was demolished after a fire in early 2019.
The new scheme will provide homes, amenity space, landscaping, and public realm. A council officer's report highlighted several benefits, including family housing, green space, temporary construction jobs, and enhanced biodiversity.
Councillors Praise Design and Density
At a recent planning meeting, Cllr Gareth Moore said: "I think it's been designed well. It's in keeping with the surrounding areas. It's nice to see the housing, it's a bit one-bedroom heavy but I can see there is a justification for that. The fact there are three-bedroom townhouses does outweigh that."
Cllr Martin Brooks, chair of the planning committee, added: "This is a site I've known for many years. It was derelict for many years and before that it was a Masonic hall which was a considerable nuisance to many residents. I think this is an excellent proposal, it's very well-designed – it achieves the kind of density we really do need to be achieving if we're to solve some of the housing problems in this city."
Committee Votes to Approve on August 13
The committee voted to approve the plans on August 13. The council officer wrote prior to the meeting: "The proposed development would secure the delivery of 165 homes in a sustainable location and would bring a long-term vacant brownfield site back into use."
"The proposed residential apartments and townhouses would make a meaningful contribution towards Birmingham's housing provision and would provide a significant number of three-bedroom family homes, for which there is an evidenced need for in Edgbaston. The development would make a modest contribution towards much needed affordable housing, in accordance with local and national planning policy. The scheme would also provide several social, economic and environmental benefits."
