Developers are seeking permission to build 179 new homes across two sites on opposite sides of Great Hampton Row.
If the plans are given the green light, Mott Street Industrial Estate would be demolished to make way for a six-storey building with 124 apartments.
Visualisation of the proposed development in Great Hampton Row, Birmingham. Taken from council planning document.
On the other side of the road would be a four-storey building with 21 homes and a conversion of the Nightingale Works building.
A council officer’s report, published ahead of a planning meeting next week, identified numerous benefits the development could provide.
These include new housing, commercial floorspace, the redevelopment of vacant buildings and “exemplary” architecture.
But it goes on to raise a number of concerns, including the possible impact on certain properties in Great Hampton Street and the nearby Gilders Yard apartments – an issue it describes as “regrettable”.
Visualisation of the proposed development in Great Hampton Row, Birmingham. Taken from council planning document.
“The harms in terms of impact on light, outlook and privacy are significant, particularly in respect of the internal experience of the Gilders Yard apartments,” it said.
“However, the harm is limited by the low number of units affected.”
Another potential issue the council officer identifies is the loss of employment land that would arise if the development is approved.
But they continue that the significant benefits of the scheme would “outweigh the harm”.
“The proposal [would provide] 179 homes, including affordable and family-sized units,” it said.
[There would be] new commercial floorspace […] with a greater level of employment than at present and enhancements to the public realm including a new public plaza.
“In addition, and on balance, there would be heritage benefits in restoring and reusing the rear range of the listed No. 3 Gt Hampton St and the Nightingale Works.
“And this would be achieved on brownfield sites within a sustainable city centre location.”
“The harms are acknowledged, particularly those to the amenity of existing residents which are regrettable,” the council officer added.
“However, in my view these are outweighed by the benefits of the scheme.”
The plans, which have been recommended for approval, will be considered by the city council’s planning committee on Thursday, October 23.