A number of Dutch developments that could transform birmingham's inner city suburbs.

Dense - family friendly - good use of space (roof terraces instead of gardens)

http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/43417804.jpg

http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/43417794.jpg

http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/43417553.jpg

http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/43417506.jpg

http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/43417883.jpg

Every property has it's own roof terrace and balconies instead of gardens increasing density and maximising land use
http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/43417816.jpg

http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/43417851.jpg

They now have Solor houses in Newtown...

http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/43417804.jpg

Thanks for the thread soul 13, some gorgeous homes there, i love this pic ^^ and would love to see this in parts of digbeth, around bradford street for example, very impressive

I would love to see Southside redeveloped as Regency style district like Cheltenham, with fine three and four storey family housing lining crescents and squares and tree lined boulevards.

^^ what he said

Thanks for the thread soul 13, some gorgeous homes there, i love this pic ^^ and would love to see this in parts of digbeth, around bradford street for example, very impressive

looks a bit commie though?

Something about the colours of the houses in the very first picture, and the way they meet the road reminds me of the row houses on The Wire - I can't help but think that's not the effect they were after.

I Don't think there's much wrong with Park Central myself. If we were to use that as a blueprint for redeveloping other 60's estates across the city then I really don't believe that we'll go far wrong.

The problem with Park central's that it looks and feels like an estate attached to city centre (I live there). What we need especially in areas like digbeth and east side is dense housing that follows the Victorian street pattern. There should be a number of apartments (especially along the main corridors, Bristol road, Digbeth high street) but if we really want to bring families back to inner city dense town houses of 3,4 bedrooms with roof terraces's the way to go.


http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/3791/57430290.jpg
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/1483/72812724.jpg
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/8697/62624128.jpg
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/5986/11684110.jpg
http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/37008319.jpg
http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/43417494.jpg
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/8594/71858936.jpg
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/389/25646522.jpg
http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/8352/24862977.jpg

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/3791/57430290.jpg
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/1483/72812724.jpg
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/8697/62624128.jpg
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/5986/11684110.jpg


that is like urban design porn!!!!!!!! :nuts:

Something like those wonderful waterside houses could be built around the Typhoo factory and Warwick Bar / The Bond - love them! Also, talking about Bristol Road / St - I'd love the entire street from Bromsgrove St to the Ring Road to be like those gabled 4 storey terraces above, the waste of space from Etap back to the RR with similar terraces too (joining up with the Asda spiral tower!)

Something about the colours of the houses in the very first picture, and the way they meet the road reminds me of the row houses on The Wire - I can't help but think that's not the effect they were after.

Hmmm now that you mention it i can see a bit of Baltimore in there!! After Bergerac, the wire has to be the best police drama :)

that is like urban design porn!!!!!!!! :nuts:

<- Insert you own joke about the Dutch and porn here ->

This is probably the best thread for this:


Birmingham first council to build new “homes for heroes” for wounded ex soldiers

Mar 16 2011
0ShareComments (3)Recommend (2)
Artist impression of the Homes for Heroes projectBIRMINGHAM has become the first council in the country to build new “homes for heroes” exclusively for wounded ex soldiers.

The 12 apartments, bungalows and houses in Bartley Green are for any former RAF, Army or Navy man or woman with priority given to those with a disability.

They are due for completion next year and are a partnership between the city council, the Alderson Trust, the Homes and Communities Agency and Galliford Try.

Although charities and trusts build homes for former service personnel across the country, Birmingham is the only local authority to do so.

Hero marine Lance Corporal Matt Croucher from Solihull, who was awarded the George Cross, welcomed the move.

He said if every council in the country followed Birmingham’s example, that would result in over 1,000 homes being built.

“It’s really good to see Birmingham leading the way and hopefully other councils will take it on board and do something similar,” he said.

The Alderson Trust is a charity within the city council which was set up in 1933 to provide homes for soldiers returning from the First World War........


Read More http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2011/03/16/birmingham-first-council-to-build-new-homes-for-heroes-for-wounded-ex-soldiers-97319-28349439/#ixzz1GnIWZErY

I like. I wish Birmingham had some quaint, is that the right word, houses with non obvious roads and pavements, benches ect. Could stick these on the Mackadown or in Digbeth and they'd look fab.

Could this thread be renamed housing developments instead? No point filling up the development thread with housing development news. Anyway

Birmingham housing development kicks off
Last updated: Mon 28th March, 2011 | Time: 07:54am
Plans to create a housing scheme on the former Moor Green Football Club site in Birmingham have been given the green light by the city council. Birmingham Council's planning committee has approved proposals to build more than 80 homes on the grounds.

The application was submitted by consultant Brooke Smith Planning acting for David Wilson Homes Mercia.

Alongside the housing estate, a new school playing pitch for Hall Green Junior and Infant Schools and improved local sports facilities are also included in the plans.

A mix of two and three-storey open market houses and apartments will be built on the site together with a high proportion of affordable units, said Brooke Smith Planning. The site has been unused for some years, since the relocation of Moor Green FC.

Keir Price, of Brooke Smith Planning, said: “It is always tricky to secure consent on land perceived to be open space. While this site was never in the public realm it was considered to be an important local facility.

“The re-use of the site as now approved by members is a positive way forward and we appreciate the hard work put in by the local community, the local schools and ward members that now means that a positive scheme can emerge.

“David Wilson Homes are keen to move forward and complete the development and ensure that the community facilities are in place as soon as possible.”


http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/49878-birmingham-housing-development-kicks/index.html

I've heard something very scary, anyone in living in the sutton/lichfield area will know where I mean.

I have heard that the gov want to kick start the construction buisness in the uk with a mammoth sized house building project just north of blake street. The plot I hear is between the chester road, blake street/little aston lane/aldridge road, Birmingham Road and the M6 Toll.

This sort of land can hold 100,000s of people and I am sorry but I am going to be a NIMBY here, as it is a prestigous area and we don't want a new giant castle vale being built on our doorstep (sorry to the castle valeians on here but you know what i mean)

I sure hope it is not true.

Well this can't come as a surprise really. Just look at the national schemes of bypasses whereby the green belt land between the bypass and the settlement is built on over the years.

If it's not this I think Webster Way to the A38 Sutton Bypass will be a good candidate.

Yeh I've heard there's been plans for housing developments all along the bypass for numerous years. It doesn't surprise, nor does it really bother me as long as these are done well. It won't be the only one in the country.

Fears that it'll become another Castle Vale are unfounded as that became the hellhole that it was through poor design and poor construction, as well as the social issues brought by the clearance of the slums in the inner cities. And it won't hold hundreds of thousands of people (Sutton it self is only 150,000 people, I think). Depending on what sort of density they'll build it to, there could be a fair few thousand.

The council want to start constructing a "birmingham home" if they are anything like the dutch counterparts I'll be very happy. Our modern day houisng stock is trash. And I do alot of work in new build housing i'm afraid to say. :(

The council want to start constructing a "birmingham home" if they are anything like the dutch counterparts I'll be very happy. Our modern day houisng stock is trash. And I do alot of work in new build housing i'm afraid to say. :(
^^
I always consider Leamington and Cheltenham's Regency housing a "Midland" brand, even if its not actually ours. Am I the only one who would love to have a Birmingham district of flowing Boulevards, Crescents and Squares in the Regency style, for family housing. The old Matthew Boulton College site in Southside would be perfect.

The council want to start constructing a "birmingham home" if they are anything like the dutch counterparts I'll be very happy. Our modern day houisng stock is trash. And I do alot of work in new build housing i'm afraid to say. :(

Birmingham Home was originally part of the big city plan, but the council scrapped the idea and decided not to develop it further. Interesting if they have reopened it.


^^
I always consider Leamington and Cheltenham's Regency housing a "Midland" brand, even if its not actually ours. Am I the only one who would love to have a Birmingham district of flowing Boulevards, Crescents and Squares in the Regency style, for family housing. The old Matthew Boulton College site in Southside would be perfect.

i agree 100%

I second it too!
Before the design process starts I think all new houses have to have solar panels on the roof and a wind-turbine inside the "chimney" (a brick extension with an aperture just to house the blades.) The Regency look using white render is something that we could easily create and the landscaping within crescents and boulevards should be encouraged inside the ring road especially @ 3-4 storey blocks high.

Maybe not white render though - doesn't go to well next to main roads with all that pollution without regular maintenance.

It's time to really start looking ahead, taking design cues from the successes of earlier architecture like the window arrangements of Georgian properties. Like it's been said earlier, Dutch urban planning and design is incredibly successful in taking such old design cues and applying them in a modern format in a style that is still incredibly attractive, practical and long-lasting.

Woody could we rename this thread "Birmingham Housing" instead? save clogging up the development thread with housing proposals, anyway


Birmingham City Council launches funding bid for 900 new homes
by Neil Elkes, Birmingham Mail
Apr 16 2011
0ShareAdd a commentRecommend BIRMINGHAM’S council house building programme is set to enter its next phase with a funding bid for up to 900 more new homes.

Nine sites across the city have been earmarked for a mix of council, shared ownership and homes for sale which, if approved, will be built over the next four years.

The project is said to be worth £50 million.

These are on top of more than 700 new properties built, or currently under construction, since the city council launched the Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust programme two years ago.

The council cabinet is expected to approve a bid to the National Affordable Homes Programme, run by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), for at least 450 and up to 900 new homes when it meets on Monday.

Tory housing chief Coun John Lines said: “This shows that even though we are in a serious economic situation, Birmingham City Council is determined to build new houses for our people.

“And the Government and developers have the confidence to invest in our homes. I am very, very proud of what we are doing.

“This is the third major phase of the house building programme and will not be the last.”

The council has set aside £2 million to fund works around the sites in readiness for construction and is providing the land, the value of which the HCA can match fund to pay for development.

The sites earmarked are for 23 homes on the Bromford estate, 27 in Stechford, 139 in Hawkesley, Kings Norton, 60 at West Heath, 40 at Moors Lane and 100 at Ley Hill, Bartley Green, 120 on the Pitt Farm estate, Erdington, 117 in Lozells and 288 at Newtown.

The Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust was launched in 2009 to allow the council to build homes, sell some of them, and keep all the rent and receipts to invest in further housing.

It was a response to the collapse in private sector housing construction and set an ambitious target of building 500 homes a year.

According to a report to the cabinet, Birmingham has an estimated shortfall of 20,000 homes


Read More http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2011/04/16/birmingham-city-council-launches-funding-bid-for-900-new-homes-97319-28530614/#ixzz1Jh2lt1Mf

Not sure if this is best place but it's a housing proposal.

from planning,

2011/01823/PA

Franklin House Bournville Lane Birmingham B30 2HP

Conversion of offices and roof extension to form 79 no. flats, with ground floor gymnasium, associated external alterations including demolition of facades, 10 no. new build residential units (4 houses and 6 flats) with associated landscaping, parking and access

Registered 23-03-2011

what a fabulous little scheme

hmm im not sure about this, it's in a conservation area too. dosen't look like it will be good quality and the town houses are rubbish. the lower levels of the main block look good though

Is this for the building opposite cadburys, by bournville train station?

Much better compared with what's there at the moment.

Housing scheme set for green light
Last updated: Tue 7th June, 2011 at 07:58am

A controversial 540,000 sq ft housing scheme in Perry Common, Birmingham, is set to go before councillors this Thursday (9 June). Plans for the development, which would create more than 220 houses, have been submitted by Persimmon Homes West Midlands. Despite objections towards the scheme, authority officers have recommended it is granted approval by Birmingham City Council's planning committee.

Wolverhampton-based Persimmon Homes West Midlands has submitted an application for the building of 226 apartments and houses on the land fronting Dovedale Road, Capilano Road, Wendover Road, Enderby Road and Jonquil Close on Perry Common.

The houses would be constructed on five separate parcels of land comprising a mix of detached, semi detached and terraced houses together. Plans for four blocks of three and four-storey apartments have also been put forward.

The five sites, which span a total of 540,348 sq ft of land, will include 107 three-bedroom houses; 40 four-bedroom houses; 39 two-bedroom houses; 38 two-bedroom apartments and two one-bedroom flats.

Persimmon has proposed that 76 of the dwellings will be available under the its shared equity ownership scheme.

Alongside the creation of the apartments and houses, the developer has included plans for 384 car parking spaces across the five plots of land.

Persimmon Homes' application – which is seeking full planning approval – has been met with complaints from local residents.

Objectors cite an "unacceptable" rise in traffic and noise, the creation of additional parking problems, disruption during construction work and a rise in crime as issues with the proposals.

An additional complaint included the scheme potentially changing "the whole view of the area". Other objectors claimed an "excessive number" of dwellings was being proposed, along with complaints that the block of flats was "out of character and will also cause parking and road safety problems".

One objector added that no more houses were needed in the area as "it is already difficult to sell existing ones".

Despite the issues raised by residents, officers have recommended the scheme for approval subject to a legal agreement.

The officer's report also states that approval will be recommended under the condition that a financial contribution of £1.85m is paid towards the provision of offsite infrastructure and open space works including the laying out of new open space, improvements to Perry Common Recreation Ground. The contribution will also be used to finance the site's future maintenance, new play facilities and additional highway improvement works.

Councillors will vote on the scheme this Thursday (9 June).

http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/53607-housing-scheme-go-council-vote/index.html

Government gives Midlands £30million to help fund 80,000 affordable homes across region
by Chris Henwood, Birmingham Mail Oct 12 2011

AROUND 1,500 new homes are to be built in the West Midlands following a £30 million Government cash injection.

Matrix Housing Partnership won the grant as part of the Homes and Communities Agency’s (HCA) Affordable Homes Programme, set to deliver 80,000 new affordable homes across England by 2015.

The Matrix Housing Partnership, led by the Accord Group, will develop the West Midlands homes over the next four years.

Key housing projects that will be partly funded by the grant include the Eastern Gateway development in West Bromwich, which will create 70 homes for rent and for sale.

Another 80 affordable homes will also be built on the site of the former Marfield School in Redditch, with work expected to start later this year.

New homes are also planned for other parts of the region, including Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

Chris Handy, chair of the Matrix Housing Partnership strategy group, said: “We submitted a high-quality and innovative bid which included a broad range of developments across the West Midlands, so we are delighted to have secured such a significant allocation from the Homes and Communities Agency.

“Building affordable homes for local people is a key priority for us and this grant is testament to our strong delivery record, commitment to partnership working and our ability to provide good quality housing.”

Christine Seaton, area manager for HCA Midlands said: “This agreement is great news as it will see much-needed new homes delivered across the Midlands, and make a significant difference to local communities.

“Our local teams have worked closely with Accord and the Matrix Partnership over recent months to ensure that their programme brings the maximum benefit for local people.”

The Matrix Housing Partnership is made up of Accord, Ashram, Black Country Housing Group, Caldmore, Rooftop, Trent and Dove and Trident housing associations as well as Watmos Community Homes.



Read More http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2011/10/12/government-gives-midlands-30million-to-help-fund-80-000-affordable-homes-across-region-97319-29578553/#ixzz1aagxGRWr

Here is an image of the interesting West Brom development :

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/info/823/regeneration_projects/1126/eastern_gateway_residential_led_mixed-use_scheme

Here is the plan in greater detail :

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/downloads/file/1584/eastern_gateway_masterplan_june_2010

£10m housing scheme set for Edgbaston

Last updated: 18th Nov 2011 at 08:29am | |
Taylor Wimpey Midlands is set to construct £10m of new housing on Highfield Road, Edgbaston. The housebuilder purchased the land from property investor Calthorpe Estates.

Birmingham-based Calthorpe sold the long leasehold on 1.74-acres of land to Taylor Wimpey, with planning consent in place for a development of 57 new homes.

The development, known as Highfield Gardens, will comprise 57 apartments, including 33 one-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom properties.

Four three-bedroom townhouses and two one-bedroom coach houses will also be constructed.

Andrew Taylor, regional land director for Taylor Wimpey Midlands, said: "Highfield Gardens is set to tap into the pent-up demand that exists in the regional marketplace for aspirational new homes in a sought-after location.

"Edgbaston is highly regarded as one of the very best places to live and work in the Midlands, and Taylor Wimpey is delighted to have a presence in the area once again with such an exclusive new development."

http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/62157-10m-housing-scheme-set-edgbaston/index.html


and some images of the housing....
http://www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/NR/rdonlyres/B8AFAEBD-CD43-4E0D-8FA5-52D2CF4A1617/135064/ApartmentsImage.jpg

http://www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/NR/rdonlyres/B8AFAEBD-CD43-4E0D-8FA5-52D2CF4A1617/135063/CoachHouseimage.jpg

http://www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/newhomes/Midlands/HighfieldGardens/

[QUOTE=sefton66;85818990]http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/62157-10m-housing-scheme-set-edgbaston/index.html
^^
I'm trying to figure out exactly where this is, it obviously takes in quite a lot of land?

I like the designs;compact and simple .

Not sure about this sort of development on that exact road in Edgbaston. I can't help feeling that the proposed buildings will just stick out like a sore thumb on a road which is primarily white georgian buildings.

This is good news for Birmingham CC, although they will be taking on a debt ALL future council house rent will be BCC's to spend and reinvest, I expect we will see a surge in council house stock now. With over 65,000 homes and more in the pipeline it could be a real potential income boost

Birmingham pledges £300m for council housing
Published by Ross Macmillan for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Communities, Local Government
Tuesday 14th February 2012 - 7:59am



Birmingham City Council has approved a three-year council housing investment programme of £297m up to 2015.

In the next financial year (April 2012) the council - which owns some 65,000 homes - said £98m will be spent including £59m on a continuing programme to maintain properties at the Decent Home Standard.

The council said it will spend £36m on the provision of new affordable homes with £3m on an adaptations programme to promote independent living for tenants in their properties.

As well as upgrades to kitchens, bathrooms and heating systems, it will also embark on a programme to upgrade its concierge and security systems in tower blocks and continue its fire protection work in multi-storey properties.

The investment, it says, is a result of the flexibilities that are available to the council as part of the new Housing Revenue Account (HRA) self financing framework being introduced in April 2012.

As part of the deal to go 'self-financing' it will have to take on a slice of the national housing debt from when its stock was first built. This equates to £336m.

However, in return, the council will be allowed to keep all its rental income instead of it being pooled and distributed by central Government. This allows it to create a long-term business plan and borrow cash on the back of its projected rental income.

The investment, it says, will ensure that previous assets are protected and tenants continue to see key elements of their properties being replaced.

Cllr John Lines, Birmingham City Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “First and foremost this investment is good news for our tenants. In addition, the joint lobbying of members/tenants secured resources for an adaptations programme.

“The council’s proposals for 2012/13 and beyond will allow tenants to benefit by replacing essentials in their home including central heating, windows, kitchens and bathrooms.

“The plans will ensure that the investment of £800m that we have already completed will be protected for the future.”

The investment will also allow the provision of 232 new affordable homes for the council.

The council announced earlier this month plans to freeze council rents until 2013.



http://www.24dash.com/news/housing/2012-02-14-Birmingham-pledges-300m-for-council-housing

In relation to the Birmingham home discussion above.

Urban Splash are due to release something very soon.

^^I was just about to ask if it had anything to do with the Birchfield Road tower blocks, then I remembered... :(

Maybe Urban Splash could finish Rotunda lol

A nice of example of new builds in Smethwick and there is also a lot of new builds on the old brewery site in Cape Hill :

http://maps.google.es/maps/svpw?url=http:%2F%2Fmaps.google.es%2Fmaps%3Ff%3Dq%26source%3Ds_q%26hl%3Des%26geocode%3D%26q%3DRaglan%2BRd,%2BSmethwick,%2BUK%26aq%3D1%26oq%3Draglan%2Broad%26sll%3D40.396764,-3.713379%26sspn%3D8.799585,21.643066%26sllexp%3D40.208500,-3.713000%26sspnexp%3D10.071000,10.071000%26vpsrc%3D6%26ie%3DUTF8%26hq%3DRaglan%2BRd,%26hnear%3DSmethwick,%2BMidlands%2BOccidentales,%2BReino%2BUnido%26ll%3D52.490378,-1.95973%26spn%3D0.006295,0.013145%26t%3Dm%26layer%3Dc%26cbll%3D52.487675,-1.952003%26panoid%3DsMVGfuAPlEyDUDsD9BdS4g%26cbp%3D12,150.19,,0,-3.02%26output%3Dembed&hl=es&gl=es

Although I haven't found an good image ,here is another build just around the corner from the above link :


http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/news/article/1611/tenants_move_into_new_sandwell_council_homes

Here is another structure .There's certainly a lot of different housing stock going up,as can be seen in the following link :

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Raglan+Rd,+Smethwick,+UK&hl=es&ll=52.489585,-1.958664&spn=0.000003,0.002642&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=36.589577,86.572266&oq=raglan+road&hq=Raglan+Rd,&hnear=Smethwick,+Midlands+Occidentales,+Reino+Unido&t=m&z=19&layer=c&cbll=52.489486,-1.958721&panoid=9fvAd5OeLuFr9jdDs1nQQQ&cbp=12,29.16,,0,-6.85

There seems to be quite a lot of housing like the following :

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Raglan+Rd,+Smethwick,+UK&hl=es&ll=52.494242,-1.957374&spn=0.000003,0.002642&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=36.589577,86.572266&oq=raglan+road&hq=Raglan+Rd,&hnear=Smethwick,+Midlands+Occidentales,+Reino+Unido&t=m&z=19&layer=c&cbll=52.494303,-1.957236&panoid=2cX6VEziH6Cc9mGazc-VMg&cbp=12,9.46,,0,-0.53

Another Smethwick street scence :

http://maps.google.es/maps?q=Raglan+Rd,+Smethwick,+UK&hl=es&ll=52.493726,-1.956532&spn=0.000003,0.002642&sll=40.396764,-3.713379&sspn=8.799585,21.643066&oq=raglan+road&hq=Raglan+Rd,&hnear=Smethwick,+Midlands+Occidentales,+Reino+Unido&t=m&layer=c&cbll=52.493616,-1.956457&panoid=Sf6pvOjtVuXAtwmZ7-Sf1A&cbp=12,179.01,,0,5.03&z=19

3,500 new council homes to be built over the next decade :

http://www.birminghampost.net/news/newsaggregator//tm_headline=plans-to-build-3-500-council-houses-in-birmingham%26method=full%26objectid=30776890%26siteid=65233-name_page.html

About time work stated on this site, hopefully work will start soon after approval

Application Details
Application Number 2012/02168/PA
Application Type Full Planning
Site Address Land bounded by Egghill Lane, Frogmill Road and Tessall Lane Egghill Estate Northfield Birmingham
Proposal Full Application for erection of 400 dwellings for rent & sale, including associated footpaths, highway works, car parking and landscaping


Masterplan here
http://eplanning.birmingham.gov.uk/Northgate/DocumentExplorer/documentstream/documentstream.aspx?name=public:0901487a80fba860.pdf+0901487a80fba860&unique=563685&type=eplprod_DC_PLANAPP

The Birmingham Post is reporting that the stalled Horizon apartment development on New Coventry Road at Sheldon, bought out by Locksbridge developments last summer is to restart.
It will involve an 18 month two phased development schedule, relaunching 46 completed apartments within the 140 apartment complex later this year. It will be renamed Solihull Heights.

Birmingham gets £3.2 million to repair city's 8,000 empty homes
by Jane Tyler, Birmingham MailApr 21 2012
BIRMINGHAM has been given £3.2 million by the Government to deal with the scourge of thousands of homes lying empty in the city.

There are around 8,000 empty privately-owned homes in the city, with around 1,900 of these having been vacant for over three years.

The money comes from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and will pay for 190 of these homes to be spruced up and rented out or sold.

A further £1.5 million of council money will be added to the HCA grant to create a loan fund of £4.7 million which owners of long-term empty properties can apply to.

The strategy was approved by the council Cabinet which was told empty houses were a blight as they attracted rubbish and vandalism.

They also add to the city’s homelessness crisis, with 26,000 families on the waiting list for a council property.

Although there are currently 8,000 empty properties, this was an improvement on the 15,000 which were empty in 2004.

Councillors were told that the authority had been tackling the problem by itself, with the setting up of the Birmingham Empty Property Team which had succeeded in bringing over 1,400 homes back into use.

Cabinet member for housing Coun John Lines said: “It’s still a shame we’ve got 8,000 homes lying empty, but it is better than 15,000.

“We have been given this grant because we proved we can tackle this.”

Harborne and Selly Oak are two areas particularly badly affected as landlords bought properties intending to rent them out to students, but then found there was an over-supply.

Labour leader Coun Sir Albert Bore asked how the council would decide which ones would be chosen.

Council leader Mike Whitby warned of the dangers of unscrupulous landlords letting their properties fall into disrepair, then using the council to do the renovations.

But Coun Lines said they would be relying on local officers to tell them which ones were worthy of being included in the scheme.



Read More http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2012/04/21/birmingham-gets-3-2-million-to-repair-city-s-8-000-empty-homes-97319-30805422/#ixzz1shjDVrAM

Just looked on Google Maps, and I didn't realise the roads were already there, like there was meant to be a development MANY years ago but it just didn't happen..

About time work stated on this site, hopefully work will start soon after approval




Masterplan here
http://eplanning.birmingham.gov.uk/Northgate/DocumentExplorer/documentstream/documentstream.aspx?name=public:0901487a80fba860.pdf+0901487a80fba860&unique=563685&type=eplprod_DC_PLANAPP

^^ I think there was already housing on the site originally,

they were of non standard construction and poorly built meaning they were pulled down, a few remain on the land surrounding it because the homeowners were originally told they could pay to have them structurally corrected or accept money(usually lower than they paid) for the house which would then be knocked down and new homes rebuilt. A few have been fixed but not many as most were council tennants anyway. There have been a few sites like it in Lonrbridge and Northfiled Area

^^ I think there was already housing on the site originally,

they were of non standard construction and poorly built meaning they were pulled down, a few remain on the land surrounding it because the homeowners were originally told they could pay to have them structurally corrected or accept money(usually lower than they paid) for the house which would then be knocked down and new homes rebuilt. A few have been fixed but not many as most were council tennants anyway. There have been a few sites like it in Lonrbridge and Northfiled Area

Yeah your right Sefton, just looked on Google Earth and used the history function, there were 7 tower blocks until 1999, 3 came down and 4 were left until 2002, when they came down, with most of the houses around the area, makes me wonder where all those people went to, because there were many cars.