101 NEW HOMES SET FOR THE JQ?

Two new residential blocks containing 101 new homes are recommended for approval in a prime spot in the Jewellery Quarter, right next door to the city’s iconic BT Tower - but noise fears crop up once more.

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HBD are behind plans that will see the existing Cornwall House on Ludgate Hill demolished and transformed with two residential blocks and vibrant ground floor commercial space.

Designed by BPN Architects, the ‘L’ shaped scheme will see the creation of a part 6-12 storey block fronting onto Ludgate Hill & Lionel Street, with a striking standalone three-storey within the site’s courtyard.

50 one-bed & 51-two-bedroom apartments (1-2/4 persons) are to be created, with 11 affordable units allocated.

To add vibrancy to the scheme, two ground floor commercial units (Class E/ 218sqm) will be provided, offering an extension to what is already a bustling commercial street scene.

On-site amenities include a courtyard, workspaces, lounges, and a gymnasium. The upper floors of the six-storey will even feature an intimate 275sqm rooftop garden space.

Designed and finished in dark red & light red-orange brick, it’ll feature bespoke glazed terracotta that will offer decorative detailing and give a subtle nod to Birmingham’s architectural past.

There will be vehicular spaces for 7 cars alongside secure ground floor cycle spaces for 106.

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HOWEVER, CONCERNS!

Regulatory Services have objected to the scheme over noise levels from nearby late-night establishments, whom have licences to play live music until 03:00am.

"(Regulatory Services) appreciate that this is a significant scheme and will serve to provide regeneration of the area and note the additional information provided but cannot agree with the mitigation scheme which relies on openable windows being kept closed by occupants to address noise nuisance issues."

To allay noise fears, which have become more and more commonplace in recent committee meetings, HBD has provided an updated noise report and further technical information.

"It advises that acceptable internal noise levels can be achieved within the dwellings through the appropriate selection of critical façade materials and a full mechanical ventilation recovery system (MVHR) to all apartments, omitting the need for occupants to open windows to maintain a comfortable internal environment.

"The entertainment venues are not directly adjacent or opposite the application site and the insulation and glazing specifications should limit music noise from these venues reaching the apartments.

"NPPG guidance also states that closing windows is a valid strategy for dealing with noise. The proposed apartments do not feature balconies which would not be appropriate in this location due to the potential noise issues and the impact on the conservation area."

CURRENT SITE

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="https://www.yourplaceyourspace.net/uploadedfiles/Cornwall%20House%20Demo.png" />EXISTING SITE: Cornwall House - now vacant/ Google Street View

Plans go to committee tomorrow (24th June 2021) at 11 am.