A new plan for an ‘affordable’ housing development close to a huge Amazon base has been submitted to Birmingham planners. Social housing developer, Morro Partnerships, is working with Midlands Land Portfolio Limited, the property arm of Severn Trent, asking for permission to build homes on a 0.79 hectare strip of land between an allotments site and houses in Lindridge Drive, Minworth.
BirminghamLive reported a little over a year ago on plans for homes on the land, which has been used as an animal sanctuary. But those plans were withdrawn after planning officers, residents and councillors voiced objections.
The revised plans are for 25 per cent fewer homes – 26 instead of 35, with all to be made available for ‘affordable rent’. The plan is for a mix of three and two-bedroom houses and some one-bed maisonettes, split across two floors of a block.
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The new plan is for ten three-bedroom, two-storey semi-detached homes with ‘wide frontages’ and floor space of 83.6 metres squared. There would be two three-bed homes of the same size with side entrances.
Also in the plans are eight-two-bed, semi-detached, two-storey homes of 68.09 metres squared, along with three one-bed first floor maisonettes of 55.13 metres squared and three ground-floor, one bed maisonettes, slightly smaller at 47.64 metres squared. All will be red brick with grey roof tiles.
A design and access statement, prepared for the two applicants by Corstorphine & Wright Architects, said the decision to withdraw the previous application was ‘justifiably taken’ and the new plans were revised to respond to the planning officer’s comments.
The plot of land off Lindridge Drive in Minworth, Sutton Coldfield is close to the giant amazon fulfillment centre
(Image: Google)
The homes were also reconfigured to deal with concerns about them being in a row on the long linear plot. A new additional footpath at the south west boundary of the site is proposed, along with a new play area where future and existing residents can socialise.
The developers said the homes would be offset by ten metres at the south east boundary so they wre further away from existing houses. And a ‘suitable drainage strategy’ will be in place with concerns raised about excess water and possible flooding.
All the homes will be affordable or social housing. The design statement said they would ‘provide 100 per cent affordable rented homes that encourage and maintain a sustainable community’. And they will be an ‘attractive housing mix of one to three-bedroom family dwellings’.
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The design and access statement conclusion it states: “The proposal looks to create locally distinctive scheme that is appropriate to its setting and provide a density and mix that helps to meet the needs of the local community and the requirements of Birmingham City Council.
“The scheme retains and enhances existing high quality on-site trees where possible in a sensitive and attractive way. Mature trees and landscaping around the periphery of the site are integrated into the scheme to soften the built form and provide a landscaped framework for the new houses.
“The design has considered issues of accessibility and security by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. The scale, massing and materiality of the development reflects its location and is in keeping with the nearby local character. The development incorporates principles of sustainability and provides an integrated development with a sense of place, creating a neighbourhood that will evolve over time.”
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Walmley and Minworth city councillor, Ken Wood (Con) said the developers had ‘taken on board some of the comments from last time’. He said: “My main concerns are access. It’s going to be a cul-de-sac development and it looks extremely tight.
“I would like to see some written confirmation from fleet and waste that they can get vehicles down there and be able to turn their vehicles around. I have concerns about the tightness and access to the site.
“The other concern I have is about the existing houses that enjoy security of not having anything behind them. I have asked the developers what they have in place so the houses have the same security they have now.” The planning application can be viewed on the Birmingham City Council planning portal under reference: 2024/07005/PA. Residents have until March 17 to comment.