Approval for luxury hotel extension

Proposals to convert vacant offices in Edgbaston into an extension of a luxurious boutique hotel have been approved by Birmingham City Council in a move that could more than treble the venue’s current number of rooms.The Edgbaston, located at 18 Highfield Road – next door to Michelin-starred eatery Simpsons, is a six-bedroom venue which launched in 2014. It also boasts three cocktail lounges.In May, developer Calthorpe Estates lodged plans to transform the adjoining property at 16 Highfield Road into an extension of the existing premises.Proposals earmarked the building for an additional 14 rooms; five en-suites to the ground floor; six on the first floor; and a further three guest bedrooms on the second floor. The reception at number 18 will remain as the customers’ first point of entry.Planning officers said the proposed hotel “would make effective use of the vacant office building”.They added it would increase the “diversity of uses in this locality and catering for local businesses, which ultimately makes for a more sustainable and attractive local community”.Following approval from the city council, The Edgbaston could become a 20-room boutique. A planning statement from Calthorpe Estates said the extension will allow the hotel to continue as a “commercially viable business”.Number 16 Highfield Road dates back to 1840 and is grade II-listed. Nearby properties include The Highfield public house.