Major Digbeth apartment plans set for step forward

Two planning applications that could lead to the construction of almost 400 apartments on derelict sites in Digbeth have been recommended for approval by Birmingham planners, subject to the completion of a funding agreement between the council and the developer.The first project has earmarked buildings at 234 to 236 Bradford Street for partial demolition and refurbishment, along with the erection of new buildings to create 237 flats over five to eight storeys.A nine-storey apartment building with 148 homes was also planned for 250 and 251 Bradford Street, but the project has been scaled back to provide 130 apartments, rising to seven storeys.Both buildings will provide a total of nine ground-floor commercial units, as well as parking spaces for cars and bikes.Documents filed ahead of a Birmingham City Council planning committee meeting next week revealed both applications have been informally recommended for approval.For the larger project, the council has requested financial contributions of £125,680 for public realm improvements in Digbeth, £500,000 for off-site affordable housing and £10,000 towards administration costs.The 130-apartment scheme will require £82,420 for public realm works, £2,884 towards administration and a commitment to create local employment and training opportunities during construction.If the legal agreement is not completed by 8 June, both applications will be refused planning permission.The development of both sites will be led by ESRG and architecture practice WCEC designed the buildings.