The chief executive of Eutopia Homes has lambasted Birmingham City Council’s planning committee for delaying a £130m residential project, after finally receiving approval at appeal from housing secretary Robert Jenrick.
Jenrick has approved the developer’s plans for 480 homes and a hotel at Camp Hill in Birmingham, a year after the council rejected plans. However, he did not approve Eutopia’s demands to cover the cost of appeal on grounds of “unreasonable behaviour”.
Birmingham City Council refused the scheme from architects Darling Associates last February, following fears the scheme may prevent development of the Camp Hill Chord rail hub. The refusal came despite planning officer recommendations for approval.
Eutopia’s founder and chief executive Scott Hammond lashed out at the planning system and also criticised mayor Andy Street for lobbying against the development, despite his brownfield first agenda.
Hammond said: “It is a shame that members of the planning committee forced a lengthy delay to important job creation and housing delivery – as well as expenditure of public funds at appeal.
“Unfortunately planning committee members often make decisions without relevant training and against clear planning policy – with limited accountability for their decisions.
“Despite pledging to support growth with a brownfield first agenda, it was disappointing to see mayor Andy Street lobby against this scheme which as acknowledged by the secretary of state and planning inspector was a sustainable location suitable for the development proposed.”
Camp Hill will comprise seven blocks of up to 26 storeys in height across almost four acres in Birmingham’s Digbeth neighbourhood.
The scheme, from the co-founder of Essential Living Scott Hammond, follows consents in Exeter and Salford, with multi-tenure schemes designed to incorporate a mix of BTR and for-sale. All three developments are funded by Chenavari Investment Managers.
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