DPP have secured planning permission on behalf of Latimer Developments Ltd, the development arm of Clarion Housing Group, for the development of 481 residential apartments in Digbeth, Birmingham.
This development will comprise a mix of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom properties across two blocks, the tallest of which extending to 34 Storeys . Notably, 270 (56%) of these homes will be ‘affordable’ underpinned by Homes England grant funding, the remaining properties being available for open market sale. This split of affordable and private units on one site makes it the largest mixed tenure community to be delivered in Birmingham.
Designed by Assael, the development features two interconnected blocks with a single-storey glazed pavilion on the ground floor, accommodating commercial space. The architectural design draws inspiration from the area’s early 20th century industrial heritage, utilising red-orange brickwork, profiled aluminium panels and concrete.
Aligned with Birmingham’s Rea Valley Urban Quarter plans, the development plays a significant role in the ongoing regeneration of the Digbeth area as well as making one of the largest contributions to meeting the affordable housing needs of the city for many years. Furthermore, Latimer’s model in Digbeth demonstrates that through a collaborative approach between the public and private sectors, it is possible to create high-quality, mixed tenure communities at scale in urban locations, to address housing needs and build communities.
Collaboration with Birmingham City Council’s planning, design and conservation officers was pivotal to the success of this application. Early engagement was essential, particularly regarding the inability to include affordable housing within the S106 agreement. By securing consent without this requirement, the development is now eligible for grant funding for all affordable homes, ensure the project’s viability and timely delivery.
Speaking about the consent, Richard Cook, Group Director of Development at Clarion Housing Group, said:
We are proud to now be able to progress with such a significant project. Our vision for our development in Digbeth is to provide modern homes and create a thriving community where affordability does not compromise quality.
We are excited to bring our expertise and commitment to Birmingham and appreciate the support of the Council in securing this consent and our Strategic Partner Homes England, who have backed our proposal in Digbeth through the Affordable Housing grant programme.
Russell Pedley, Director & Co-Founder Assael Architecture, said:
We’re delighted to get the green light for this mixed-tenure city living project at the gateway to Digbeth High Street. Accessibility and connectivity have been paramount in the design, with 100% ‘active’ frontage to the High Street and enhanced public realm, a pocket park for residents and a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bed family homes. Well done to the whole project team – it’s been a great team effort and we now look forward to contributing to Birmingham City Council’s vision for the Rea Valley Urban Quarter community.
Gareth Hooper, Chief Executive of DPP, said:
We are thrilled to have to have acted for Latimer Developments on this significant regeneration project which is their first of this kind in Birmingham. The design team have worked closely with Birmingham City Council over the course of the year to get to this milestone and we are very thankful for their hard work on this to date. The challenges of delivering affordable housing outside of planning consents raised significant potential barriers to this scheme being delivered, so we are delighted that Members accepted the case presented to maximise the delivery of affordable housing as well as a high quality landmark scheme. We look forward to the continued success of this collaboration and the project’s delivery.
Images: Assael Architecture
