Decision due on canalside apartment development

A development proposing the creation of more than 230 canalside apartments in Birmingham will go before planners later this week with a recommendation for approval.Places for People Homes is seeking planning permission for a residential-led scheme of the land bounded by Icknield Square, Birmingham Main Line Canal and Icknield Port Loop Canal.The site formerly comprised industrial works, with all existing buildings now being long cleared.Lined up is 234 one- to three-bedroom properties housed within a number of interlinked blocks, ranging from four to ten storeys in height.As well as the apartments, the development would also feature approximately 2,100 sq ft of commercial space.A total of 14 car parking spaces are proposed on site, which would be in the form of under-croft spaces and all fitted with EV charging points.This is in addition to 270 lockable cycle storage racks.A design and access statement said: “This site presents a hugely exciting opportunity to make use of a brownfield site to create a new sustainable residential community at the edge of the city centre.”It will provide a new public connection to the canal towpath, improving pedestrian accessibility to the site and neighbourhood beyond.”By enhancing the site’s canalside edge and creating a strong streetscape to Icknield Square, the scheme aims to create a meaningful contribution to the neighbourhood that can be enjoyed by all.”A report drawn up for Birmingham City Council’s planning committee – which meets on 14 March – said: “The development is further seen to rationalise the site area and provide a good range of on-site private and public amenity space, with numerous public improvements.”The proposals are further considered to offer a suitable level of car parking and the development would further use sustainable technology for onsite energy generation and offer EV charging points for future occupiers.”