The University of Birmingham is committed to providing high quality student accommodation for its undergraduate and postgraduate community. It has a responsibility to provide adequate parking on its campus for those who use it. It also has a responsibility to its neighbours and local community.
We propose to submit a revised planning application for Pritchatts Park on Pritchatts Road, following feedback from Birmingham City Council’s Planning Committee, and representation from the local community. At present, Pritchatts Park is home to 734 students and a surface level staff car park with 289 spaces. The new plan proposes to increase the accommodation level to house a further 532 students. The revised plan has reduced the proposed Pritchatts Road-facing town houses from three and four-storeys to two storey, in order to better complement the existing domestic dwellings – something which residents have highlighted as a priority. In addition, the plan proposes a multi-storey car park, which will be partly underground, and include some elements of ‘green wall’, shielded from Pritchatts Road by the town houses. This relocates parking from elsewhere on campus, providing 608 spaces. This car park will not be accessible from Pritchatts Road. Instead, it will be accessible from Brailsford Drive.
Consultation with our neighbours
We have a responsibility to hear the thoughts and views of those who live near to our campus, and who experience the impact of any developments. With that in mind, we would like to extend an invitation to all those who are interested in our plans to come along and find out more about the revisions we have made at two drop-in events. Senior staff from the University will be present, along with architects.
Pre-planning consultation meetings:
We held two pre-planning consultation meetings with members of our local community on 27th March and 10th April, which have helped inform the development of the design of this scheme. If we hold any more meetings we will post information here.
Further information
You can email us about the events, or with any questions.
Frequently asked questions
A number of key issues have been raised about plans for Pritchatts Park, and here are some answers to common questions.
Q: How will this development impact on the conservation area nearby?
A: We have worked closely with Birmingham City Council’s Conservation Officer on ensuring that we are respectful of the conservation area which is such a major part of this area of Edgbaston. Edgbaston is characterised by its green suburban context with a diversity in building styles and scales within the area and the design has been developed to respond both to the scale, style and context of its setting.
Q: Will this development increase traffic on Pritchatts Road?
A: As part of the planning process, we commissioned a travel survey. Birmingham City Council Planning Officers have reviewed this alongside our design team and confirmed along with the provision of relocated parking, the access via Brailsford Drive, rather than Pritchatts Road, on this development will not increase traffic queuing within this area. The wider strategy for the transport network, which this project links into is the subject of a masterplan development which BCC are progressing.
Q: Does more students on the site mean more students bringing cars?
A: As a rule, we do not allow students to bring cars onto campus unless they have an accessibility need. The current car park is only for staff, which will continue to be the case for the new car park.
Q: Can you do anything about parking on Edgbaston streets by University of Birmingham staff and students?
A: We are proactively working with Birmingham City Council on how we can support residents better in this area. As part of the Birmingham Hospitals and University Masterplan, the University of Birmingham will support measures set by Birmingham City Council to manage on-street parking around the Edgbaston and Selly Oak areas
Q: Does more students mean more disruption for neighbours?
A: Students have resided on Pritchatts Park for some decades, with very little disruption to the local community. The University is always keen to hear from neighbours who have any issues, and will always be proactive in tackling problems.
Q: Why do you need more student accommodation?
A: There is a variety of accommodation across the city for students. What our students tell us is that they prefer to live in the University’s own accommodation, close to campus, as this gives them better access to welfare support, and it is of a higher quality than that provided in the private sector. One of our roles as an institution is to provide the right environment in which our students can succeed. Data tells us that a large proportion of University of Birmingham students live and work in the West Midlands following graduation, making a major contribution to the wider community. They are part of the reason the University is able to contribute £3.5bn every year to the economy.