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Plans to Demolish Former Birmingham Police Station Approved

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Residents of Harborne, Birmingham, face the potential loss of their local police station as a developer has lodged plans to transform the site into a residential development. Spitfire Homes aims to build 50 new homes, including townhouses and apartments, on the site of Harborne Police Station. The decision to dispose of the station was made in 2018, with the developer completing the acquisition of the site this spring. Meanwhile, nearby Quinton Police Station will remain operational, with the Police and Crime Commissioner emphasizing that tackling crime in Harborne remains a top priority.

Key Takeaways:

  • Spitfire Homes plans to demolish Harborne Police Station and build 50 new homes, including 8 terraced townhouses, 1 detached house, 1 self-contained apartment, and 40 apartments in two blocks.
  • The decision to dispose of the police station was made in 2018, with the developer confirming the acquisition of the site this spring.
  • The West Midlands Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner insists that tackling crime in Harborne remains a top priority, despite the disposal of its police station.
  • The Police Commissioner cited budget constraints, stating that without proceeds from police station disposals, up to 860 police officer posts would be at risk.
  • Spitfire Homes' planning application emphasized the lack of architectural interest in the existing police station buildings and the need to maintain the character of the area.
  • The developer proposed building apartment blocks with a height below the existing police station to ensure massing does not become dominant for the site.

Statistics:

  • 8 new terraced townhouses will be built as part of the development
  • 1 new detached house will be constructed
  • 1 new self-contained apartment will be added
  • 40 new apartments will be spread across two blocks
  • West Midlands Police has fewer officers than in 2010
  • Ups to 860 police officer posts could be at risk without proceeds from police station disposals

Sources:

  • "Developer plans to build homes on former police station site in Harborne" (Local Democracy Reporting Service, no date)
  • West Midlands Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (no date)
  • Spitfire Homes' planning application (no date)
  • West Midlands Police (no date)

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