Second phase of redevelopment scheme secures green light

Plans for the second phase of a major redevelopment, which has transformed a landmark Birmingham office building, have been green lit.Urban Village Group sought detailed planning consent from Birmingham City Council to develop two new lozenge-shaped buildings, consisting of 105 apartments and commercial space, at its Equipoint development in Yardley.The application relates to land primarily in the existing extensive parking area for the original Equipoint.Previously a 12-storey office building just off the A45 Coventry Road, Equipoint has been converted into 250 one- and two-bedroom apartments available for sale and the private rented sector. Work on the £40m first phase of the development was completed earlier this year. According to a report scrutinised by Birmingham planners yesterday, the second phase – on a brownfield site in a highly sustainable location – will continue to complement the existing building and would be “acceptable in terms of highway and residential amenity considerations”.Approval has been secured, subject to conditions.