Concerns have been raised over ambitious plans to build a housing development on the site of one of Birmingham's most popular nightspots.

Developers are hoping to build 40 family homes, 50 apartments and a small caf> on the site of the Tower Ballroom in Edgbaston.

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Local community groups and councillors have voiced anger over the scale of the proposals, which include four- storey apartments standing on the edge of Edgbaston Reservoir.

The Tower Ballroom is due to be bulldozed as part of a massive regeneration of the area, as revealed in The Birmingham Post last year.

More than 80 acres of land surrounding the reservoir are to be redeveloped with new bars and restaurants designed to attract tourists into the area.

Much of the plans are still in the embryonic stages. However, Countrywide Homes has been involved in talks with council officials and the local community over its new proposals to create a waterside village.

Richard Hickman, the developer's principal planner, said he hoped the development would kick start wider regeneration in the area.

But Chris Vaughan, chairman of the Friends of Edgbaston Reservoir, said: "These plans would mark a massive increase in housing in this area.

"What we are crying out for is recreational facilities where people can engage in exercise and other physical activities.

"I am concerned about the scale of this development. I also have concerns over traffic considerations and the visible impact of the scheme.

"I also believe it would impact on the local ecology."

Local Edgbaston councillor Deirdre Alden (Con) said: "I do think that having four storeys of apartments at the front of the reservoir is a little too high."

The Tower Ballroom started life in the 1870s as a roller skating rink and became a dance hall in the 1920s. As well as one of the city's best-known nightspots, it was also used as a location in the popular ITV series Boon.

Countrywide Homes has offered to help the TS Vernon Sea Cadet Corps situated next to the dancehall and will also make financial contributions to local services and facilities as part of the application.

Mr Hickman said: "We've worked hard with council officers and within the development framework to come up with a mixed scheme that will help the area to thrive.

" We have deliberately ensured that there will be better pedestrian links to the reservoir and the walkway will be opened up. I hope this will encourage more people to enjoy the beauty of Edgbaston Reservoir."

Mr Hickman said the housing scheme would also help allay crime fears that residents have in the area surrounding the reservoir.

Residents are being invited to help name the development if it is given the go-ahead.

The application is due to be considered by the city council's planning committee in early 2006.