Former Ballroom Site at Centre of Controversy
Residents living around Edgbaston Reservoir fear a plan to build 95 affordable and social homes at the water's edge will destroy wildlife, set a dangerous precedent for more building and further congest densely-populated streets nearby. The fate of the former Tower Ballroom site has been uncertain since it closed in 2017, and it has been designated as a brownfield development site ever since.
Developer Keon Homes and housing association Midland Heart have jointly proposed 95 affordable and social homes for rent. They claim the development will be net zero, help address Birmingham's housing crisis, and provide a wonderful setting for families. However, opponents argue the reservoir is too fragile and ecologically important to risk, and that the plan jeopardises the city's status as a City of Nature.
Community Meeting Fails to Sway Critics
More than 100 people attended a community meeting on July 13 to discuss the proposals, where artist impressions of the new housing project were first shown. Despite the impressive display, those opposing the scheme on nature grounds remained unconvinced.
Friends of Edgbaston Reservoir, a local campaign group, expressed anxiety that the proposal would undermine efforts to protect the reservoir and its surroundings as one of Birmingham's most precious natural assets. They believe alternative schemes should be considered, such as a community venue, lido, or sports ground that enhances the waterside location.
Nature Reserve Status at Risk
Iris Bertz, of the Friends group, said: "This site could be a real asset for Birmingham and really enhance the reservoir as one of the city's real gems." She noted that the area was approved as a local nature reserve by Natural England, and the plans risk its status as a haven for birds and wildlife. "These plans threaten to destroy it as a nature haven. The light pollution from the 140 windows included in the planned houses will have a dire impact on the bat and insect populations at night. These, in turn, attract the birds that make the reservoir one of the leading ornithological sites in the West Midlands, with more than 160 bird species frequenting here," she added. "Nobody seems to be giving that any consideration."
The site is classified as brownfield, which protesters say fails to account for its value as a natural asset. "This is a local nature reserve, not a building site," Bertz said. She also dismissed promises by developers that lost trees and green spaces would be compensated with new planting and that landscaping would enhance the reservoir.
Public Subsidy Questioned
Campaigners are also concerned that developers have been promised a £2 million grant from the West Midlands Combined Authority to cover costs. David Gaussen, another objector, said: "There should not be housing there full stop, never mind housing that is subsidised by public money."
Opponents point to other housing developments in the area, including the former City Hospital site, Port Loop, and Ladywood regeneration, arguing the reservoir should be left alone. Parking around the reservoir has long been problematic, especially since the Osler Street car park closed at police request to prevent anti-social behaviour. That car park site is included in the redevelopment plans.
Developers Defend Proposal
In a joint statement, Keon Homes and Midland Heart responded: "This vacant brownfield site, which was formerly a nightclub, sits in an area of nature that means a lot to the community. Conscious of both the environment and the community's love for the area, our proposal transforms the disused site into one of the largest net zero affordable neighbourhoods in the country. Our development will be net zero from day one, using sustainable building materials and low-carbon construction methods. The choice of materials, labour and construction practices will be carefully considered to minimise embodied carbon, and wherever possible we will invest locally so benefits are felt by the surrounding community."
They added: "The homes will be net zero, powered by solar panels and low carbon heating systems. The scheme will also create two substantial biodiversity areas and new publicly accessible green spaces. We will deliver 95 affordable homes at a time when housing need across Birmingham has never been higher, with nearly 8,000 households currently on housing waiting lists in the city, including 15,000 children. The development will also support the local economy by providing employment opportunities for construction workers and apprentices."
Midland Heart, a 100-year-old local housing charity, will own and manage the homes long term. The developers said conversations with the community have already led to improvements, including refurbishing the historic lodge for community use and reducing street lighting to support bats and birds. They pledged to continue engagement throughout the planning process and construction.
The plans are due to be submitted soon to Birmingham City Council, when formal comments will be accepted from both supporters and opponents.
