Go-ahead tipped for 30-storey tower and hundreds of flats

Proposals for a 30-storey tower in Birmingham city centre as part of wider plans to create more than 500 apartments have been recommended for approval.Land bounded by Sherlock Street, Bishop Street and Hurst Street has been earmarked for the proposed scheme by Watkin Jones Group.Currently occupied by six commercial properties, the land would be transformed into a number of buildings ranging from five, nine to ten, 11, 12, 13 and 30 storeys.Designed by Glenn Howells Architects, the scheme would feature 228 one-bed, 290 two-bed and 33 three-bed flats, a total of 551.There would also be room for 36 cars and more than 600 bicycles as well as ground floor commercial space.It is anticipated that the project will create approximately 240 temporary jobs during construction and 85 jobs during the operation of the development.The scheme has been recommended for approval, subject to conditions.