New Edgbaston development to replace building ‘used as sex den’

Proposals for a new Edgbaston development which will replace a building reportedly used as a ‘drugs and sex den’ have been approved. Ten four-bedroom townhouses and a four-storey apartment block are now set to be built at 268 Hagley Road, which was once the former home of 19th century artist Charles Walter Radclyffe.

However, as a recent council report highlighted, the site is now associated with concerns over anti-social behaviour. A letter of support even claimed the current building was used by squatters and had become a ‘drug/sex den’.

Amid such reports, Edgbaston MP Preet Gill has said she has expressed support to develop this site for many years. “This development will create new, quality homes for my constituents as well as creating local jobs and bringing investment into our community,” she said.

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The proposals attracted similar praise during a planning committee meeting today, November 28, with councillor Colin Green saying: “I welcome this development on what is a fairly grotty and neglected part of Edgbaston. It has a great housing mix, it looks nice and it’s a benefit to society.”

Coun Martin Brooks, chair of the committee, added: “It’s a good use of the site - it’s good architecturally and good in terms of housing need. ’m a little bit disappointed that Calthorpe Estates, who are pretty reputable landlords in Edgbaston and that area, weren’t able to incorporate a historic building into the development.

“Unfortunately we’ve lost too many historic buildings along that part of Hagley Road". Ralph Minott, masterplanning and development director at Calthorpe Estates, said he was delighted by the committee’s decision to approve the plans unanimously.

“This milestone underscores Calthorpe Estates’ commitment to creating high-quality homes that meet the needs of the local community,” he said. “The approved development will include 10 four-bedroom townhouses and 42 apartments, offering a mix of one- and two-bedroom homes including affordable provision.

“This project is a positive transformation of a long-standing development site, enhancing Edgbaston as a thriving, safe, and desirable community". He added: “We are proud to have led such a well-designed planning proposal in collaboration with our neighbouring resident landowner and look forward to the development contributing to our vision for Edgbaston as a vibrant and dynamic place to live and work.”

'Loss of building regrettable'

The council officer’s report previously stated that the loss of the existing building was “regrettable”. It continued: "However, the building is not on the Locally Listed Building list and its identification as a building with historic interest and as such a non-designated heritage asset has only emerged through this planning application".

It also said: “The more efficient use of land, particularly in meeting Birmingham ’s challenging housing targets, weighs heavily in the planning balance. The opportunity to deliver housing on this site must be seriously considered.”

The benefits of the development, according to the report, include affordable housing, construction jobs, investment in the ward and the removal of a vacant building reportedly used for anti-social activities. The development would provide a 9.62 per cent affordable housing offer of three one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments.

“The 9.62 per cent offer has been viability tested in accordance with policy and has been assessed as being the most that the scheme can viably provide,” the report said.