The initial planning application was registered on 18th February 2022, under the full planning category and the council's decision on 12th October resulted in a refusal and an appeal was lodged challenging this, on 20th December.

The council argued that the development would have a negative impact on the character and appearance of the area; the outlook for plots 10-17; Edith Cadbury nursery school and the drainage system in the area.

The appeal decision, as made by inspector Martin Allen, has decided that the development would have no harmful effect on the area and its appearance, and the drainage system can be delivered adequately.

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The outlook for some occupants has now been deemed to not be obstructed by the local school — due to the large amount of visible sky from the predicted development — and will not negatively impact the nursery school, as there will be minimal overshadowing of it on a day-to-day basis.

The appeal decision was made on 22nd May 2023, and now Volume Property will commence the necessary preparations for construction on the site located off Somerford Road — with work anticipated in the coming months.

The proposal entails the construction of 14 two- and three-bedroom semi-detached houses, along with nine two-bedroom apartments in the Weoley & Selly Oak ward of the Northfield constituency.

The development will also include essential infrastructure works such as parking facilities, landscaping, and improved access.

Anthony Laville, CEO at Volume Property, commented: "We are pleased that the planning inspectorate has recognized the significance of this development in addressing the demand for affordable housing.

“[By] working collaboratively with the council, we have successfully addressed most of the issues on the initial refusal."