BLUEBIRD FACTORY
BLUEBIRD FACTORY: CASE STUDY
Consisting of 108 new homes on the site of the former Blue Bird Toffee factory, this residential development mixes new and old architecture seamlessly to create a unique living environment.
The plans will see the Grade II listed former Administration building, along with the former Welfare building, restored and converted to 22 one- to three- bedroom apartments and a selection of townhouses. Meanwhile the remaining industrial units will be sensitively rebuilt into 86 new-build homes, which will be a mix of two-, three-, four- and five- bedroom, mainly two-storey houses.
LOCATION: Hunnington, Halesowen
SIZE: 9.78 acres
STATUS: Sold
GDV: £42,000,000
PRESERVING HERITAGE
Following the factory’s closure in 1998, the iconic site has remained derelict until now, with the sensitive residential development set to transform the existing brownfield site into high-quality homes in response to local needs.
As a part conversion, part new build development, this site exemplifies SevenHomes’ on-going commitment to protect the heritage of our sites. With the aim to restore and maintain the legacy of the Blue Bird Factory whilst introducing new and attractive, purpose-built homes for the existing and its future on-site community to enjoy for generations to come.
The site offers future residents access to stunning countryside, due to its location close to the vast Clent Hills, and easy access into Birmingham, alongside all local amenities within Hunnington itself and other surrounding towns and villages.
The planning strategy proposed the redevelopment of a former factory site for housing. Whilst the council could not demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, a proposal was put forward to comply with policy for development within the Green Belt and the presumption in favour of sustainable development applied. Additionally, the provision of housing would make a significant contribution to the housing supply position in the district as well as providing jobs through the construction process. All these matters weighed heavily in favour of the proposal.
The original planning application was submitted in May 2019, and following the October 2019 listing of several buildings on the site including the Administration Building, Welfare Buildings and boundary walls, gate and railings; a Listed Building application was submitted in November 2020.
Given the complexity and sensitivity of the application, extensive design and heritage consultations took place with Council officers and advisors to ensure that the listed buildings themselves could be preserved with only the minimum necessary internal or external alterations.
A key aspect of the planning strategy centred on the importance of finding long-term viable solutions for the preservation of protected heritage assets and the value of high-quality design. A planning gain package associated with the submission was also secured, including over £0.5m on public transport improvements. This included an extended bus timetable to aid with commuting, provision of new bus stop infrastructure, the delivery of a new pedestrian crossing by Romsley Primary School, and traffic calming in the vicinity of the Blue Bird Site. The scheme also provided over £0.8m in education contributions, public open space and healthcare contributions. By successfully obtaining planning consent the scheme ensures the long-term survival of the listed buildings with a viable alternative use for the future.