Developers of an apartment block on a run-down city centre car park have had to dramatically scale back plans over fears about the "character" of the street.

The Post reported in May that Romar Investments was planning to develop a residential tower of up to 12 storeys containing around 120 one- and two-bedroom apartments in Tennant Street, off Broad Street, in front of the Trident House office building.

But subsequent discussions between Romar Investments, its planning consultancy Knight Frank and city council officers have seen the application cut back by half, to a six-storey block containing up to 40 apartments of one and two bedrooms.

The scheme would have parking for bikes but not cars and also two ground floor retail units.

A revised planning statement submitted by Knight Frank stated the city council did not support a 12-storey proposal "because of the impact they considered it would cause to the character of Tennant Street".

"It was determined that the council considered a six-storey proposal to be more suitable," the planning statement said.

The specific details of the project, which is a short walk from the new home of HSBC UK at Arena Central, are yet to be finalised as the submitted application is outline only to determine the proposed access.

Car park opposite the application site, in the shadows of the Hampton by Hilton hotel
Car park opposite the application site, in the shadows of the Hampton by Hilton hotel

Scale, appearance, layout and landscaping will be agreed at a later stage.

The car park is within an area of other tall buildings including the eight-storey Travelodge and 17-storey Hampton by Hilton hotels, both fronting onto Broad Street, and the adjoining Trident House which reaches 12 storeys.

The revised plan will be debated by Birmingham City Council's planning committee next Thursday where officers have recommended the outline application is approved.

A pre-meeting report prepared by case officer Julia Summerfield said: "While it is acknowledged there are tall buildings within the vicinity, I was concerned about the height adversely affecting the character of the street, with the proposed 12-storey block potentially creating a canyoning effect as a result of the proposed development (being) opposite (other) tall commercial properties (which) back onto Tennant Street.

"It is considered the amended plans, indicating a development of up to six storeys, would mitigate against this potential problem and provide a development which is appropriate to its context and setting."

The report concluded: "I am of the view that a building of the height proposed would fit in with its surroundings and would not cause a significant loss of amenity to existing residential occupiers."

Looking across the application site towards Travelodge and Jurys Inn hotels
Looking across the application site towards Travelodge and Jurys Inn hotels