Approval Tipped For 48-Storey Residential Tower
24/7/23
Plans for a residential-led development in Birmingham featuring hundreds of homes and a 48-storey tower have been recommended for approval ahead of a planning committee meeting next week.
Hub Group is seeking the go-ahead to develop land at 2 Snowhill Plaza, with the proposals formed in partnership with pan-European real estate investment manager MARK.
The scheme would provide 462 build-to-rent homes, as well as new public realm, ground-floor commercial space and on-site residents' amenities.
At the time of proposals being submitted, Brad Burridge, senior development manager at HUB, said: "We are really pleased to have submitted plans for our second project in Birmingham which, if approved, would provide hundreds of design-led homes within a striking landmark building, as well as new green space, opening up this key part of central Birmingham.
"Our aim is for 2 Snowhill Plaza to provide high-quality homes in the midst of one of Birmingham's busiest commercial districts, giving residents easy access to all that the city has to offer."
Designed by multidisciplinary architecture and urban design practice Metropolitan Workshop, the proposal for 2 Snowhill Plaza would replace a vacant commercial property.
Birmingham City Council's planning committee will consider the application on 6 July.
A report for the committee said: "Whilst on the 'city ridge' and in the central business district where tall buildings are common and generally supported, this site is a challenge as it is not on a prominent frontage or on a major corner or intersection. Instead, it is tightly surrounded by existing tall buildings and less than inspiring post war planning making a tall building on this site very difficult.
"Amended plans have been submitted addressing several detailed design concerns, and the city design manager raises no objection regarding the proposed materials and their application subject to detailed conditions and notes the tower's exciting and dramatic form, which should weigh favourably in the overall planning balance
"I note the objection from BCC conservation team but consider that the public benefits outweigh the 'less than substantial harm' caused to the setting of the grade I-listed Cathedral of St Philips due to the height and position of the proposed development."
Approval has been recommended, subject to conditions.
Source; Insider Media Limited