The developers of Beechenhurst House, Serpentine Road in Selly Oak are applying to add even more bedrooms to the existing 60 bedroom development in the heart of the leafy suburb of Selly Park.
Steve McCabe MP said that the move by developers to apply for even more bedrooms is yet another sign of total disregard for the local community. Steve first objected to the proposal for the student complex in August 2015 and at that time, 55 bedrooms were proposed. The developers then went on to propose 58 bedrooms and pushed it to 60 ahead of Planning Committee in January 2016.
The application for 60 bedrooms was approved at Planning Committee despite nearly 50 objections being made against the proposal and reports from local residents that they had been on the receiving end of aggressive and intimidating campaigning. Steve heard from many local residents who were very upset that the application had been approved, mainly because the student flats will double the population of the street.
The new application from the developers proposes a further 5 bedrooms, increasing the number of studios to a total of 65.
Steve McCabe MP said:
“We already have a surplus of student accommodation in Selly Oak even though there has been no real increase in student numbers. Last year I objected to the 55 bedroom development and eight months down the line the developers want to increase the development by adding even more bedrooms.
“I was surprised that the original application was approved at Planning Committee given the number of objections and it seems the developers are taking advantage of the decision in total disregard of local opinion. I will be objecting to the proposal for further bedrooms at Beechenhurst House.”
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