More diverse mix of housing set to be delivered in Perry Barr after planning permission is varied

Proposals to deliver much-needed family housing have taken a step forward today after a variation to planning permission was granted for new homes at the Perry Barr Residential Scheme (PBRS).

As a result of the decision taken back in 2020 to progress directly to the legacy use of the first phase of the Perry Barr Residential Scheme, the project team were able to reflect upon the most suitable way forward for the site plots where work had not yet commenced.

Under the plans approved today by the council’s Planning Committee, the site’s three plots that were always earmarked for family housing will now be delivered in a way which will provide a more diverse range of homes for people.

The total number of homes on the three plots has been increased from 58 to 84, helping meet the city’s clearly-established demand for quality family housing.

Instead of building predominantly four-bedroomed properties, the changes mean the council, as the project developer, will now deliver a more balanced mix of two, three, four and five-bed homes.

Cllr John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “It’s great to see the progress that has been made to improve Perry Barr in recent years. As someone born and brought up in the area, I know how much this investment was needed and how it will massively benefit local communities.

“We've listened to feedback and will now deliver a more relevant and diverse mix of homes as part of the ongoing regeneration of the area.

“Coupled with the other improvements, such as upgraded public transport links and the stunning redevelopment of the Alexander Stadium, Perry Barr is an area that people are increasingly proud to live in and is quickly becoming a destination people want to relocate to and visit.”

The variation to the planning permission also covers a tweak to homes that will be built in the coming years at another plot on the site.

The site in question (known as Plot 10) will see a reduction from 209 to 183 homes, but there will now be a greater variety of apartments (ranging from one to five bedrooms instead of the initially planned one and two-bed apartments).

Overall, the number of homes across the entirety of phase one remains unchanged at 1,414, with further minor amends to other undeveloped plots ensuring the overall scheme adheres to the wider planning consent.

And in recognition of the need for more larger family homes, the council’s leadership has previously stated its intention to deliver and enable the supply of more such properties as part of subsequent phases of the wider generation of Perry Barr, as per the Perry Barr 2040 Masterplan.

Cllr Jayne Francis, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, added: “The need for high-quality housing is well-documented in Birmingham and across the country.

“Thanks to our bold ambition in successfully bidding to host the Commonwealth Games, we were able to attract investment and support that boosted our efforts to deliver new homes in north-west Birmingham.

“It’s really encouraging that our team working on this ambitious scheme has been able to look at how we can be creative and reshape aspects of the initial plans to ensure we are providing a mixture of homes that are more relevant for the people of city. I can’t wait to see these homes developed and for Perry Barr to thrive in the years to come.”

The new planning permission comes just weeks after the first 968 homes at PBRS were formally completed, ahead of the first properties being occupied later this year.

To find out more about the recently-completed homes, visit: www.perrybarrresidential.co.uk