Almost 450 homes receive council backing

An application proposing the development of almost 450 homes in Birmingham has been backed by the council. The scheme is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs.Galliard Homes and Apsley House Capital sought the go-ahead from Birmingham to build 438 properties on land at Belgrave Middleway.Measuring approximately 11.6 acres, the application site lies to the south of the city centre and was previously occupied by Joseph Chamberlain College and the Birmingham Sports Centre.It is proposed that the accommodation be provided in a combination of terraced townhouses, low-rise apartment buildings and two high-rise apartment buildings.Designed by Chetwoods Architects, the scheme comprises one and two-bed apartments and one, two and three-bedroom houses.As well as incidental open space, the proposals include a linear park through the centre of the site, along with 263 parking spaces.It is forecasted that the project will lead to the creation of 1,357 direct, indirect and induced jobs as a result of the construction.A report for the committee, which met on 14 October, said: “It is considered that the principle of the development would be acceptable and assist in meeting housing needs.”In addition, the scheme would be appropriate in terms of its overall design and visual impact, it would be appropriate in terms of residential amenity, highway safety, ecology and all other relevant matters.The scheme has now been approved subject to conditions.Don O’Sullivan, chief executive at Galliard Homes, said: “We are excited by the opportunity to regenerate a currently underutilised and unloved plot of land to create an attractive neighbourhood that will not only transform the site but will also make a positive contribution to the wider Balsall Heath area.”Having consulted closely with Birmingham City Council and the public, we believe we are delivering a development that will provide the right mix of housing for the area, from first-time buyer apartments to larger family homes.”