The owner of a row of historic Victorian houses has hit back at allegations it neglected them to the point where there is no option but demolition.

Calthorpe Estates was accused by members of Birmingham’s planning committee of ‘deliberate neglect’ of the large homes on Hagley Road, Edgbaston.

Conservation groups including the historic building watchdog English Heritage and the Victorian Society have called for the restoration of the buildings which are at the heart of the Barnsley Road Conservation area.

Eight houses, only one of which is occupied, are set to be bulldozed to make way for the city’s fourth Florida-style retirement village being developed by Extra Care Charitable Trust and Birmingham City Council.

But Calthorpe Estates said it has tried to find occupiers for the eight properties and after failing to do so had been left with no option.

A spokesman said: “Calthorpe Estates has worked relentlessly to seek viable solutions, including securing investment and complying with the planning and building restrictions inherent with historical properties.

“We are fully behind The ExtraCare Charitable Trust’s plans to develop the Hagley Road site for a retirement village. They have an excellent track record and have an imaginative scheme in response to escalating demand for affordable, high quality housing..’

The City Council’s planning committee were largely supportive of the retirement village but upset at the loss of historic properties, including the former Lambert Court Hotel.