New apartments set to transform Sparkhill street

New apartments are set to rise in a Birmingham inner-city area after being given the green light, following support from our planning experts.

The development at 926-936 Stratford Road, Sparkhill, will deliver a mix of nine one- and two-bedroom apartments, each featuring open plan layouts and access to a shared rooftop terrace.

To accommodate the new apartments, the site – currently home to a mix of retail units – will be extended upwards by two storeys, incorporating contemporary mansard roofs, large windows and dormer structures designed to complement the area’s distinctive Victorian architecture.

Amar Rashid, director at developers Smart Move Commercial Limited, said: “Our vision has always been to create high-quality, well-designed homes that enhance the surrounding area and provide much-needed housing for the local community. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the neighbourhood.”

After being initially refused without consultation, we worked alongside the developers and Birmingham City Council’s planning and urban design officers to agree upon a new design to address the local authority’s concerns.

The revised design has significantly reduced the building’s height and massing, while introducing a sleek, contemporary aesthetic that will create a striking but sympathetic addition to the local streetscape.

Beyond providing new homes, the development will introduce landscaping, public seating and tree planting, creating a more inviting space for the community. The project also boasts a 100% biodiversity net gain, with habitat boxes and greenery incorporated into the design.

Located on the edge of the Springfield local centre, future residents will benefit from easy access to shops, restaurants, cultural venues and public transport links. The project is entirely car-free, encouraging sustainable travel, with 18 cycle storage spaces provided on-site.

Sachin Parmar, planning director, said: “Having grown up in the area, this project holds particular significance for me. It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to a development that will have a lasting positive impact on the community I know so well.

“The project will make excellent use of under-utilised brownfield land to deliver much-needed and high-quality homes in a sustainable, well-connected area, supporting the city’s housing needs.

“Like many growing cities, Birmingham faces a challenge in meeting housing demand, particularly for smaller, more affordable units that suit first-time buyers, young professionals and downsizers. By building upwards, this development not only maximises space but also aligns with the city’s ambitions for urban regeneration.

“We’ve worked closely with the council to ensure the revised design strikes the right balance between respecting the area’s character and bringing in a fresh, modern approach. It will breathe new life into a key location on Stratford Road and improve the public space. We’re excited to see the vision come to life.”

Given the site’s proximity to the Grade II-listed Sparkhill United Church, Hannah Hamilton-Rutter, heritage director, conducted a heritage impact assessment as part of the application.

Managing director Zahid Khan and associate Mark Dixon, both of UMAA Architecture, led the design of the scheme. Our head of socio economics, Simon Macklen, provided a local housing needs assessment.