Copyright expressandstar
Developers have been given permission to build 179 new homes across two sites on opposite sides of Great Hampton Row near the Jewellery Quarter. Following the decision at a planning committee meeting on Friday (October 24), the Mott Street Industrial Estate is set to be demolished to make way for a six-storey building with 124 apartments. On the other side of the road will be a new four-storey building with 21 homes and a conversion of the Nightingale Works building. A council officer’s report, published ahead of the meeting, identified numerous benefits the scheme could bring. These include new housing, commercial floorspace, the redevelopment of vacant buildings and “exemplary” architecture. But the report went on to raise a number of concerns, including the possible impact on certain properties in Great Hampton Street and the nearby Gilders Yard apartments – an issue it described as “regrettable”. “The harms in terms of impact on light, outlook and privacy are significant, particularly in respect of the internal experience of the Gilders Yard apartments,” it said. “However, the harm is limited by the low number of units affected.” Another potential issue the council officer identified is the loss of employment land that would arise if the development is approved. But they continued that the significant benefits of the scheme would “outweigh the harm”. “The proposal [would provide] 179 homes, including affordable and family-sized units,” it said. [There would be] new commercial floorspace […] with a greater level of employment than at present and enhancements to the public realm including a new public plaza. “In addition, and on balance, there would be heritage benefits in restoring and reusing the rear range of the listed No. 3 Gt Hampton St and the Nightingale Works. “And this would be achieved on brownfield sites within a sustainable city centre location.” András Kárpáti, CEO of Cordia UK, said following the decision: “We are proud to continue Cordia’s long-term commitment to regenerating Great Hampton Street and the wider Jewellery Quarter. “Mott Street and Nightingale represent the next step in transforming this historic part of Birmingham into a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive neighbourhood. “By restoring heritage buildings and introducing high-quality new homes and community spaces, we aim to create a safer, more pleasant environment for residents while enhancing the area’s unique character.”
