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D-day for Birmingham skyscraper plans which could change skyline foreverThe proposals would see a 41-storey tower built in the heart of the city and provide more than 500
homesCommentsNewsAlexander Brock Local Democracy Reporter12:44, 03 Jun 2025Proposed Birmingham skyscraper at Bristol Street, Bromsgrove Street and Essex Street - amended design)(Image:
Planning document prepared by stephenson hamilton risley STUDIO) Amended plans for a “high-quality” skyscraper in Birmingham will be considered again after previously failing to win over
councillors.
Proposals for three buildings, including a 41-storey tower, were deferred by the city council’s planning committee for the second time last November.
A council report at the time said the proposed development, on land at Bristol Street, Bromsgrove Street and Essex Street, would provide more than 500 build-to-rent homes.
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The design of the scheme was praised in the report as “refreshingly bold and unique”.
But the plans were first deferred by the committee last September amid concerns including the housing mix, particularly the number of one-bedroom flats.
Article continues below Concerns were again raised at November’s planning meeting, with Coun Colin Green saying he was still concerned about the mix, which he described as “pretty poor”.
Coun Martin Brooks, former chair of the committee, added: “I have some concerns myself - it seems this scheme is a very monolithic block on Bristol Street.
“I don’t like the tower block right opposite the Wellington [Hotel], I think it’s not ideal - I’m not over the moon about it.”
Proposed Birmingham skyscraper at Bristol Street, Bromsgrove Street and Essex Street - amended design(Image: stephenson hamilton risley STUDIO) The city council later confirmed the plans
had been deferred, minded to refuse.
But an update issued ahead of a planning meeting this week revealed both the housing mix and building design had been amended.
The proposed overall number of homes has been reduced from 550 to 531 and the number of three-bedroom apartments has increased.
The update continued: “The design changes to the Bristol Street/Bromsgrove Street junction are intended to address comments on the relationship with the wider townscape and the listed former
Wellington Public House.”
The City Design Manager noted the changes “transform the relationship of the tower with the street and improve its presence on the approach into the city from the south”.
'Proposed design is considered to be of high quality' Summing up why the proposed development had been recommended for approval again, the update said: “It is officer’s view that the
proposed amended housing mix can be supported in the inner central area.
“The proposed design and associated landscaping and public realm is considered to be of high quality.
“Substantial weight is afforded to the use of a brownfield site in a highly sustainable location to deliver homes.”
It continued: “There is less than substantial harm identified to designated heritage assets, and would result in the demolition of some non-designated assets, which is afforded significant
weight.
“However, when weighed against the benefits of the proposal set out, the identified harm is not considered substantial to warrant refusal of the application.”
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Article continues below The benefits of the scheme include the provision of housing, new public realm, temporary construction jobs and an enhancement of the ecological and biodiversity offer
at the site, the council said.
Area planning manager Nick Jackson previously responded to concerns by arguing the design of the proposed development was “high-quality” and “distinctive”.
The plans have been recommended for approval, subject to a legal agreement, and will be considered again at a planning meeting on Thursday, June 5.