47-storey Broad Street tower tipped for approval

A 47-storey Broad Street tower has been recommended for approval by Birmingham City Council planning officers subject to a legal agreement.The Essington at 90-97 Broad Street will comprise 525 one or two-bedroom apartments over 145m as well as a £1m public pocket park.Designed by Glancy Nicholls, the scheme spearheaded by Regal Property Group features 1,340 sq m of private amenity space that incorporates co-working spaces, gym & yoga facilities, cinema room, private dining, events room, arcade games room, nursery/crèche, and what will be the highest sky lounge in the city.Planners have said that the development could sustain an affordable housing contribution of 4% without becoming unviable. It takes into consideration the new park that will “provide wider public benefit”, in addition to Community Infrastructure Levy.The Section 106 agreement means the scheme is recommended for approval, subject to 21 units being classed as affordable, a minimum of £1m must be spent on the park and the building’s owner needs to manage the noise of affected units through the closure of amenity vents between the hours of 11pm and 5am.