Green Light for 48-Storey Residential Tower

Plans for a residential-led development in Birmingham featuring hundreds of homes and a 48-storey tower have been green lit.Hub Group sought the go-ahead to develop land at 2 Snowhill Plaza, with the proposals formed in partnership with pan-European real estate investment manager MARK.The scheme will provide 462 build-to-rent homes, as well as new public realm, ground-floor commercial space and on-site residents’ amenities.Designed by multidisciplinary architecture and urban design practice Metropolitan Workshop, the proposal for 2 Snowhill Plaza will replace a vacant commercial property.Birmingham City Council’s planning committee considered the application on 6 July.A report for the committee said: “Whilst on the ‘city ridge’ and in the central business district where tall buildings are common and generally supported, this site is a challenge as it is not on a prominent frontage or on a major corner or intersection. Instead, it is tightly surrounded by existing tall buildings and less than inspiring post war planning making a tall building on this site very difficult.”Amended plans have been submitted addressing several detailed design concerns, and the city design manager raises no objection regarding the proposed materials and their application subject to detailed conditions and notes the tower’s exciting and dramatic form, which should weigh favourably in the overall planning balance”I note the objection from BCC conservation team but consider that the public benefits outweigh the ‘less than substantial harm’ caused to the setting of the grade I-listed Cathedral of St Philips due to the height and position of the proposed development.”Members voted to approve the scheme, subject to conditions.Brad Burridge, senior development manager at HUB, said: “Securing planning permission for this scheme – HUB’s second in Birmingham – means we are a step closer to delivering much-needed high quality homes in the city centre.”2 Snowhill Plaza will be a striking landmark building for Birmingham, with a new public route that will open up this part of the city centre for pedestrians.”Our vision for the project is to offer exemplary living in one of Birmingham’s bustling commercial districts, ensuring convenient access to the abundant offerings of this thriving city.”Lily Lin, UK and Ireland managing director at MARK, added: “Planning approval for 2 Snowhill Plaza reflects the high-quality of the scheme’s design, which will provide much-needed rental housing.”This project – our first UK build-to-rent investment – will be a strong addition to our portfolio of residential-led developments in the UK, through which we are delivering hundreds of homes across a range of price points and tenures in a mix of geographies.”HUB has a proven track record of delivery, and we look forward to working with them in progressing the site from construction through to completion.”