Homes, apartments and commercial unit at Former GKN Buildings South Side, Smethwick

What was proposed

The application proposed 26 houses, 74 apartments in five blocks, a commercial unit, parking, landscaping and associated works.

“DC/26/71442 Application Description Proposed 26 No. residential dwellings, 5 No. apartment blocks consisting of 74 No. self-contained apartments, 1 No. commercial unit, parking, landscaping and associated works. Application Received 10 February 2026 Application Address Former GKN Buildings South Side Cranford Street Smethwick Report Author…”

“The application is seeking approval for a residential scheme for 26 No. residential dwellings, 5 No. apartment blocks consisting of 74 No. self- contained apartments, 1 No. commercial unit, parking, landscaping and associated works.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contains industrial buildings and vacant land near a hospital, industrial operations, residential areas and the Cape Arm of the Birmingham Canal.

“The Application Site 5.1 The application site comprises a collection of industrial buildings and areas of vacant land situated on the southern side of Cranford Street, Smethwick. The surrounding context is characterised by a mix of uses, including the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, established industrial operations, and residential neighbourhoods located within close proximity to the site.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

Earlier permissions covered a karting facility and an environmental impact assessment screening opinion for a proposed acute hospital.

“Planning permission was granted for the change of use of part of the industrial building for a karting facility. The site was also included in the screening opinion for the new acute hospital but did form part of the planning application site. A full list of the planning history is provided below: DC/13/55825”

“Request for a screening opinion - proposed new acute hospital. Screening opinion - EIA not required. 09.05.2013 DC/05/43819 Use of part of an industrial building for a karting facility. Grant Permission subject to conditions. 16.03.2005”

Officer report

What consultees said

Planning policy, highways, public health, flooding, ecology and urban design raised no objections subject to conditions, while the Canal and River Trust raised concerns.

“In response to the Canal and River Trust’s comments, it is noted that the majority of the land directly fronting the canal lies outside the application red‑line boundary. Urban Design has recommended that, as part of the hard and soft landscaping condition, the area to the rear of the apartment block fronting the canal should be treated as a shared surface with an element of block paving. This would improve the outlook for residents and create a more communal space.”

“The buildings have been carefully designed to draw on key design cues from the historic industrial character of the area, and Urban Design has raised no objections to the proposal. Suggested conditions relating to canal protection measures during construction are included within the recommendation.”

Officer report

What residents said

The application was publicised by neighbour letters and notices, and no objections were received.

“The application has been publicised by seven neighbour notification letters and by site and press notice. No objections have been received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Neither the applicant nor the objector was present at the meeting.

Members’ view

Members were satisfied with the proposals and indicated that they intended to approve the application subject to conditions.

“Members were satisfied with the proposals and were minded to approve the application, subject to the conditions recommended by the Executive Director- Place.”

Minutes

The committee decision

The committee approved the application subject to conditions covering housing, design, drainage, highways, environmental matters and the commercial unit.

“Resolved that Planning Application DC/26/71442 - Former GKN Buildings, South Side, Cranford Street, Smethwick (Proposed 26 No. residential dwellings, 5 No. apartment blocks consisting of 74 No. self- contained apartments, 1 No. commercial unit, parking, landscaping and associated works) is approved, subject to conditions relating to:-”

“I) Means of compliance to secure affordable housing; II) External materials; III) Contamination; IV) Finished floor levels; V) Boundary treatments; VI) Landscaping; VII) Foul drainage; VIII) Surface water drainage; IX) Cycle storage; X) Waste storage and management plan; XI) Noise and mitigation measures; XII) Energy Statement; XIII) Employment and Skills Plan; XIV) Lighting; XV) Parking retention; XVI) Construction Environmental Management Plan including canal protection…”

Minutes