The £70 million transformation of a Birmingham university campus has taken another step forward after plans for new teaching buildings and student apartment blocks were given the green light.
Birmingham’s planning chiefs unanimously supported the second phase of the development of Newman University , in Bartley Green .
The development will see some buildings bulldozed and replaced with modern blocks, while others will be refurbished to create state-of-the-art teaching facilities and accommodation.
And crucially, to avoid a fall out with local residents, the on-site car park is to be expanded from 265 to 350 spaces.
There was a note of criticism from planning committee member Coun Fiona Williams (Lab Hodge Hill) who was unimpressed with the buildings.
She said: “We seem to be having a lot of off-the-shelf design in the city. We need a little more imagination.”
But Coun Peter Douglas Osborn (Con Weoley) defended the design, saying: “The site has character, provided by the wonderful statue of Cardinal Newman .
“The buildings are designed to provide education and for some people to stay in and, for that reason, have to be functional.
“Any extras would end up being paid for by the young people through the fees.”
Council officer Simon Turner described the designs as “crisp and modern” and added that they fitted in well with the other buildings.
University vice-chancellor Peter Lutzeier welcomed the committee’s backing.
He said: “We’re very pleased that Birmingham City Council have approved the plans and we can start work on the next phase of campus improvements.
“The new halls of residence will provide high-quality accommodation to complement the outstanding learning and teaching spaces that enable our students to have an excellent higher education in Bartley Green.
“I hope the additional parking spaces will also be welcomed by our neighbours.”
He said the car park work would be carried out first to reduce the impact of growing student numbers on nearby streets.
Work will begin on this £22 million phase of development with the first buildings expected to be completed next year.
An earlier phase saw the opening of a new library and research centre in 2013 and the award of university status.
