Plans to transform the former Masonic lodge site in Edgbaston, Birmingham, into a residential development featuring 165 new homes have received official approval. The site, formerly known as the Clarendon Suites and located just off Hagley Road, was historically an events venue designed by renowned architect John Madin. It served multiple purposes, including hosting conferences, exhibitions, and functions for the Provincial Grand Lodge of Warwickshire Masons until it closed in 2014. Following a fire in early 2019, the building was demolished, leaving the area derelict.
The approved scheme includes the construction of 75 townhouses alongside 90 apartments, complemented by new amenity spaces, landscaping, and enhancements to the public realm. Council reports highlighted the development’s numerous benefits, such as providing housing suitable for families, introducing green spaces, creating temporary construction jobs, and improving biodiversity on the brownfield site.
Councillor Gareth Moore commented positively during a recent planning meeting, stating, “I think it’s been designed well. It’s in keeping with the surrounding areas. It’s nice to see the housing, it’s a bit one-bedroom heavy but I can see there is a justification for that. The fact there are three-bedroom townhouses does outweigh that.”
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Meanwhile, Councillor Martin Brooks, chair of the planning committee, reflected on the site’s history: “This is a site I’ve known for many years. It was derelict for many years and before that it was a Masonic hall which was a considerable nuisance to many residents. I think this is an excellent proposal, it’s very well-designed – it achieves the kind of density we really do need to be achieving if we’re to solve some of the housing problems in this city.”
The planning committee voted to approve the project on 13 August. The council officer’s report noted that the development would bring a long-term vacant brownfield site back into use in a sustainable location. The mix of residential apartments and townhouses will make a meaningful contribution to Birmingham’s housing supply and includes a significant number of three-bedroom family homes, addressing an identified local need in Edgbaston.
Additionally, the scheme will contribute modestly towards the provision of much-needed affordable housing in line with local and national planning policies. Overall, the development is expected to deliver several social, economic, and environmental benefits to the community.