Press Release: 21st January 2021
Stirchley Co-operative Development (SCD) have been granted planning approval to build much-needed affordable housing as well as three new fit-for-purpose retail units in the heart of our community. The approval was certified by the Birmingham City Council planning committee on January 21st and means that SCD can continue forward with this ambitious project in 2021.
The grassroots community organisation, made up of two local housing co-operatives and three co-operative businesses, have been working on this project since 2016. They’ve had support from local co-op housing provider; Accord and have received substantial financial backing from Homes England.
After positive early talks with Seven Capital the group decided that the derelict land on the corner of Hunts Rd and Pershore Rd would make a suitable site for their project. Following public consultations they secured initial funding to hire architects and began to see their ideas come to life for the first time. Such a progressive project is unusual for the area and this, coupled with the COVID-19 crisis, led to delays in the planning process which pushed the committee decision back seven months to January.
The ongoing community support for the project has been incredible, receiving hundreds of positive recommendations from local residents and businesses as well as elected officials. The positive attention brought to Stirchley because of this project will set a target for other parts of the city to aim for in terms of sustainable build processes and the provision of affordable housing – both vital components of any future urban development and a key part of Birmingham City Council’s objectives for the city.
In-short, Stirchley Co-operative Development are on track to provide:
- 39 affordable rental properties (100% of the housing)
- A secure and sustainable home for three existing co-operative businesses in Stirchley
- A new community space including a pedestrian walkway, seating a community garden and cycle parking
- A closed-timber frame building with an environmental spec that exceeds Building Regulations and will provide:
- 27% reduction in CO2 emissions per year
- 22% reduction in CO2 emissions per square metre
This is not a profit-driven development, instead the entire project is being managed by the local businesses and residents as a co-operative. It will remain a co-operative when the residents move in where they will take control of the building collectively. This will create a long-term asset for Stirchley and sustainable homes for families and individuals ambitious about our common future.
For more information and to register your interest in joining visit stirchley.coop