Plans have been submitted to Birmingham City Council for a major development on Hagley Road in Edgbaston, proposing the demolition of derelict buildings to make way for 77 new residential units, a cafe and more than 100 car parking bays.
Applicant Oratory Square has applied to demolish the former school building and existing dwellinghouse at 12 Plough and Harrow Road, redeveloping the site adjacent to The Oratory on Hagley Road. The proposals, prepared by Cerda Planning on behalf of the applicant, include the construction of 77 residential units and a cafe within St Philip's Hall, alongside associated car parking and works.
Mix of apartments and townhouses proposed
According to the design statement, the scheme includes 20 one-bedroom apartments, 33 two-bedroom apartments, seven four-bedroom townhouses, 11 three-bedroom townhouses and six one-bedroom loft apartments. In addition to the new properties, St Philip's Hall, described as "derelict" and "currently not in use", would be converted into "a mix of study rooms, commercial (cafe) and residential studios that will contribute to the regeneration of the area."
The design statement also outlines "a car park with over 100 bays, providing essential parking facilities for members of the Oratory Church community, supporting worshippers and visitors who travel by car."
Planning statement highlights sustainable location
The conclusion of the planning statement reads: "The site represents a suitable and sustainable location for new homes. It lies on the city-centre fringe with excellent public transport and active-travel connectivity and is an appropriate windfall opportunity that makes effective use of previously developed land in line with national policy."
The statement adds: "The proposals will deliver economic benefits during construction and through new resident expenditure and local job creation associated with the commercial use within St Philip's Hall. These gains add positive weight in the overall balance."
Decision due by October 7
A site notice has been issued, with a decision on the plans expected by October 7. Birmingham Oratory shared a statement regarding the planning application on Monday, August 27.
The statement reads: "A planning application for the redevelopment of the Hagley Road site has been submitted on behalf of the Fathers of the Oratory to Birmingham City Council. The application and accompanying plans are available to view on the Council's planning website."
It continues: "The submission of the application does not mean that a final decision has been taken to proceed with the development as proposed. If planning permission is granted, it would give the Fathers the opportunity to consider a range of options, including proceeding with the scheme as submitted or pursuing a more modest form of redevelopment. No final decision has been made. Throughout the development of these proposals, the needs of parishioners have been very much at the forefront of our minds."
The statement goes on: "In particular, we have been clear that, whatever form any redevelopment may take, there must continue to be at least as many car parking spaces available to parishioners as there are at present. Once the Fathers have considered the available options and have a clearer view of how they may wish to proceed, there will be a public consultation before any final decision is taken."
Members of the public are invited to speak to the Fathers about the proposals, though the statement notes that little more can be added until the planning application has been determined and the various options have been considered.
