Green light for Southside scheme after noise-related battle

146 apartments are set for Birmingham’s Southside district, after a lengthy battle over noise mitigation.Plans were initially refused for a 15-storey building in March 2022 as the council felt there was an absence of an agreement to secure mitigation measures from the Nightingale which could result in complaints against the venue, as well as an affordable housing deal.Now, developer Prosperity has permission to demolish the existing three-storey vacant office building at the junction of Kent Street and Lower Essex Street, and construct a nine to twelve-storey building providing 111 one & 35 two-bedroom apartments.Features designed by Glancy Nicholls include a shared lounge, two roof terraces at Level 9, on-site amenities across 655 sq m, a rear courtyard and 148 cycle spaces.Birmingham City Council has agreed a Section 106 agreement with Prosperity, for it to pay £1.05m for noise mitigation works at the Nightingale. An escrow account held by the council will be used for the club to draw down on for works.If works cost less than £1.05m, the funds will be used for affordable housing, but if it costs more, the council will refund money overpaid by the applicant.