Residential plan for Birmingham factory set for go-ahead

A scheme to convert a derelict former industrial premises into more than 200 apartments is set to go before city council planners next week, with a recommendation for approval.

Plans put forward by Beyond are set to go before Birmingham City Council’s planning committee on 22 January, and include a five-storey extension at the modernist-style building at 55, Holloway Head, around a quarter of a mile from New Street station.

The former Lee Bank Business Centre has been vacant for a decade, but new proposals would see 215 apartments built in the 1950’s era “flatted factory”, alongside nine townhouses and around 6,500 sq ft of commercial space in four shop units.

The building was constructed by Birmingham City Council in 1958, part of a post-war construction programme to repair the city’s decimated industrial infrastructure, and is described as an “interesting and well preserved example of an unusual building type that is quite characteristic of Birmingham” by the city’s conservation officers.

However a proposed redevelopment of the main building would see its “dated and unmaintained” curtain wall facade replaced with brick slip, and glazing updated with aluminium framed windows. An “in character” row of townhouses is set to be built adjacent to the factory, on Chapmans Passage.

The former flatted factory on Holloway Head has been vacant for a decade. Credit: BCC / Planning Portal

A smaller-scale residential conversion for 131 units was approved in 2018, but permission has now lapsed – nonetheless, the previous scheme established the principle of redevelopment and a report by city council planning officers set to go before the committee says there has been “no change in policy” which would alter the planning position for the building.

“The designated heritage assets hold considerable historic significance and the less than substantial harm which would be caused to their significance by the development is considered by conservation colleagues to reach very low levels,” said the report.

“The building is largely vacant with more recent uses being non-conforming. In addition, the local area has seen significant change with numerous residential developments being built on adjacent sites, changing the character of the area to predominantly residential. Therefore, the loss of this [employment] floorspace would not be significantly detrimental to the councils strategic objectives for delivery/protection of employment spaces.”

Architects for the scheme are JBVJ, while Made it Together are planning advisors for the project.

Plans and documents relating to the application can be found on Birmingham City Council’s planning portal under reference: 2024/05852/PA