Bellfield Junior And Infant School in Northfield has submitted plans to Birmingham City Council for the partial demolition of an existing building and the erection of a single-storey side extension, according to documents registered with the council.
Application Details and Timeline
The application, originally received on April 14 and amended on June 11, was registered by the council on June 23. It proposes extending the nursery and day care centre to accommodate an increase in pupil and staff numbers.
“Extension to the nursery and day care centre to provide a larger space to accommodate for the increase in pupil and staff members,” the application states. “This extension and refurbishment proposes a new façade with separate entrances to the EYFS and nursery classroom, refurbished toilets, designated wet zone area, changing rooms and a large nursery classroom with dedicated teaching wall space.”
Agent and Design Vision
Baily Garner has been listed as the agent for the proposals, acting as a ‘trusted partner’ to the education sector in supporting schools and Multi-Academy Trusts. In the Design and Access statement dated June 11, the company outlines the main drivers of the project: a “requirement for expansion,” “dated appearance,” “provision of teaching facilities,” and “improved offering to the local community.”
The statement adds: “The proposed extension and refurbishment of the school’s facilities are intended to support the strategic expansion of the nursery provision and to significantly enhance the quality of the learning environment within the Nursery and EYFS areas. This development will deliver substantial benefits to both the school and the wider community by increasing educational capacity and ensuring that high‑quality early years provision can be sustained in the long term.”
Staffing and Community Impact
To meet the needs of the projected increase in pupil numbers, the proposal also includes the appointment of additional staff, ensuring that appropriate ratios and standards of care are maintained. The documents state: “In light of the clear educational, social and community advantages arising from this scheme, we respectfully request the Planning Department’s support for this application.”
Wider School Reorganisation Context
In a wider planning context, the documents explain that in January 2026, the city council launched a statutory consultation to discontinue Bellfield Junior School, enlarge the Infant School to serve ages three to 11, and integrate the Junior School site and buildings into a unified primary school from September 2026.
As of June 11, a site notice was issued regarding the proposed development, with a decision due by August 6.
