Approval tipped for 33-storey BTR tower

A landmark build-to-rent (BTR) development in Birmingham which would include almost 300 homes across a 33-storey building could soon move forward.Urban Vision, a specialist real estate investor and developer, is behind the plans for 100 Broad Street. They have been designed by Howells.The structure is designed to be a ‘smart’ building that is both all-electric and uses innovative technology to help drive efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint and occupational costs of its users.As well as 294 homes, the proposals include communal amenities such as co-working spaces and communal lounges, rooftop gardens, as well as opportunities for independent shops, cafés, or restaurants at street level.The site at 100 Broad Street has been identified as a key development opportunity in Birmingham and has benefitted from a historic planning consent. A 61-storey residential building was approved in 2019, but this was found to be undeliverable so never progressed.At the time of plans being lodged, Nigel Robson, director at Urban Vision, said: “100 Broad Street is a fantastic opportunity to deliver one of Birmingham’s most sustainable buildings, which adds real value to the city and its skyline. We wanted to deliver something that will set the standard for tall buildings in Birmingham, but also drew on the city’s heritage.”As an underutilised brownfield site, this is an opportunity to support the wider regeneration of the area – driving local growth and creating jobs. It is important we get this right.”Our proposals are deliverable and, should planning permission be granted, construction can begin as soon as possible. We look forward to working with our partners at Birmingham City Council, and within the community, to progress the application.”The application will be considered by Birmingham City Council’s planning committee on 1 February.A report for the committee said: “The proposed design and layout of the development would provide for a mix of accommodation in a high-quality, secure environment that would complement surrounding developments in a gateway location.”Approval has been recommended, subject to conditions.