Plans to build the second tallest building in Birmingham have been given the green light - again.
Court Collaboration's 51-storey One Eastside tower block scheme had been given the go ahead in April 2020, but the proposals were later subject to a judicial review.
It followed a claim from rival developer LaSalle Investment Management opposing the project over lack of consideration for Historic England's concerns about the potential detrimental impact the scheme could have of nearby historic buildings.
But work on the skyscraper's construction can now officially begin after planning permission was granted for a second time at a meeting yesterday. (15th)
BirminghamLive reports that Councillor Gareth Moore told the planning meeting: "It's a considerable size, for a while it will be the tallest building in Birmingham, so I think we have to be clear that there is going to be harm caused - it's about weighing up what level of harm is caused, and I attach great weight to the representations from historic England.
"In particular, they take the view that the harm will be ‘less than substantial'.
"I think we also have to bear in mind that a number of these listed buildings have tall buildings already surrounding them - OK they may not be on the scale of what's proposed but certainly you've got the McLaren building nearby, you've got exchange square itself, and you've got taller buildings to the north.
"So I think it is the balance that has to be taken, and I'm very much swayed by the views of Historic England on this and I think the public benefits outweigh the harm that had been caused.
"So, this committee has previously approved that application, and considering all the information put before us, for me, I’m still of the view that this application is acceptable in planning terms, and therefore I will be supporting it today."
The building is set to be built on the former CEAC building site at the corner of James Watt Queensway and Jennes Road.
The £160 million proposals include 667 one and two-bed apartments to rent as well as residential gardens and courtyards, a gym, cinema and sky lounge.
